Ustad Zakir Hussain
Context
Recently, Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away on December 15, 2024, in San Francisco at the age of 73.
- He was known for redefining the role of the tabla in Indian classical music.
Relevance:
GS-01 (Art and culture)
About Zakir Hussain
- He was born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai. He is the son of the legendary tabla virtuoso Ustad Alla Rakha.
- Contributions to Indian Classical Music: Zakir Hussain was known for his exceptional mastery in redefining the role of the tabla in Indian classical music.
- Tabla was traditionally seen as a supporting instrument, but Ustad Zakir Hussain brought it to the forefront as a solo and central instrument in performances.
- He was phenomenal in his ability to weave melodies from percussion, which made him stand out globally.
- Global Collaborations:
- His contributions to fusion bands like Shakti and Planet Drum showcased Indian rhythms to the global stage.
- His Grammy-winning album Planet Drum is a testimony to his brilliance in blending Indian classical music with global percussion.
- Accolades and Achievements:
- Padma Shri (1988) and Padma Bhushan (2002)—for his exceptional contribution to art.
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for excellence in classical music.
- Four Grammy Awards for his pioneering work in world music.
- National Heritage Fellowship—the highest honour for traditional artists in the United States.
Hindustani Music in Detail
Origin and Evolution:
- Both Hindustani and Carnatic music belong to the Bharata’s Natyasastra, but it took a distinct shape in the 14th century.
- The Hindustani music focuses on improvisation and explores the creative boundaries of ragas. It even has elements of ancient Hindu tradition, Vedic philosophy, and Persian tradition as well.
- It was passed down through the Guru-Shishya Parampara.
- Primary instruments used: tabla, sarangi, sitar, santoor, flute, and violin.
- The major styles associated with Hindustani classical music are dhrupad, khyal, and tarana.
- Light classical forms include dhamar, trivat, chaiti, kajari, tappa, tap-khyal, thumri, dadra, ghazal, and bhajan.
- Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan, founded in 1875 in Jallandhar, is one of the earliest modern music festivals focusing on Hindustani classical music
Hindustani vs. Carnatic Music
While both share the same foundation of Swara, Raga, and Tala, they differ in style:
- Hindustani evolved under Persian and Islamic influences in North India, emphasising improvisation.
- Carnatic music, more structured and pure, developed during the Bhakti movement in South India. It focuses on vocal compositions and embraces improvisations like Alpana and Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi.
- Hindustani music has diverse vocal forms like Dhrupad, Khayal, Tarana, and Thumri, while Carnatic relies heavily on Kritis and structured compositions.
Conclusion
Ustad Zakir Hussain’s extraordinary journey has elevated the status of Indian classical music worldwide. His life exemplifies the beauty of Hindustani music, which remains a testament to India’s diverse cultural legacy. For UPSC aspirants, understanding Hindustani music’s evolution, styles, and key figures like Zakir Hussain offers a deeper appreciation of India’s artistic heritage.
