J&K govt. bids for Sufiyana music’s inclusion in UNESCO’s intangible heritage list
Sufiyana Mousiqi is believed to have been in practice since the 15th century.he The work, which was found in Kashmir in the 19th century with its makamsoru ragas, is being put out to tender for the first time to be included in the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote an official letter to Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and pressed for the place to be included in the UNESCO list.
Mr. Abdullah’s letter reads: “Given the outstanding heritage value of Kashmiri Sufiyana Music and its relevance to the objectives of UNESCO’s Convention on the Intangible Cultural Heritage, I would be grateful if the proposal is examined sympathetically and necessary initiatives are initiated to take the nomination forward through the prescribed channels.”
In the letter, the J&K Chief Minister sought the Union ministry’s support to “ensure global recognition of this priceless cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, which will be a source of pride for India.”
Mr. Abdullah emphasized that recognition by UNESCO will “ensure the international visibility and protection of this valuable tradition, as well as facilitate its preservation, documentation, promotion and transmission to future generations.”
Based on the rich traditions of Sufi thought and artistic excellence, Sufiyana music represents a remarkable synthesis of devotional poetry, classical melody and philosophical depth. “For centuries, this unique musical tradition has served as a powerful tool to promote harmony, inclusivity and cultural dialogue, reflecting the composite ethos of our society,” the letter says.
A proposal for application to UNESCO has been prepared by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Kashmir division. He described Kashmir Sufiyana music as “one of the most outstanding manifestations of the cultural and spiritual heritage of Jammu and Kashmir”.
Saleem Beg, who heads INTACH’s Kashmir chapter, said the participation would result in “international visibility and recognition on a global platform”. “Sufiyana music or Sufiana Kalam or Sufiana Mousiqi meets the basic criteria for nomination under the ICH framework. It is a classical musical form with roots in Sufi mysticism, representing a unique synthesis of devotional poetry, melody and rhythm. The tradition represents the mixed culture of Kashmir and the historical ethos of spiritual harmony,” Mr. Beg said.
Mr Beg said Sufiyana Mousiqi emerged between the 14th century.he and 15he Centuries in which Kashmir became a cross-cultural link for India, Iran, Central Asia and the wider Islamic world. “The arrival of Sufi saints, scholars, artisans and musicians from regions such as Iran, Bukhara and Samarkand introduced new musical ideas blended with existing Kashmiri traditions,” Mr. Beg said.
Rather than modifying local traditions, these influences merged with indigenous Kashmiri musical practices to create a distinct classical form that is uniquely Kashmiri, he said. “Scholars describe it as a synthesis of Persian, Central Asian and Indian musical systems shaped by local sensibilities. Sufiyana music of Kashmir is a form of dialogue between Persian, Islamic and Shaivite civilizations, both classical and folk,” he added.
Sufiyana Mausiki is believed to have approximately fifty-four maqams or ragas, and only 20-25 are currently used in practice. Most of Sufiyana Mausiki opens with an instrumental beginning and a short poem sung without rhythm. He uses special instruments such as santoor, ney (a type of flute), harmonium, rabab, tabla and sitar.
UNESCO has already included many abstract art forms in the list, such as Vedic Hymn, Ramlila, Mudiyettu, Buddhist Hymn, Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja and Garba.
It was published – 25 June 2026 02:23 IST
