Z M Dagar - Famous Dhrupad Musician
Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar popularly known as Z M Dagar, was of the 19th generation
of Dagar family dhrupad musicians and was largely responsible for the revival of
the rudra vina as a solo concert instrument.
Personal Profile of Z M Dagar
He was born on 14th march 1929, in the town of Udaipur,Rajasthan. He began his training
under the tutelage of his father, Ustad Ziauddin Khan Dagar, court musician for
the Maharaj of Udaipur.
Z M Dagar was trained both in vocals and in the rudra vina, an instrument used by
vocalists to practice melodies.
Creator of Dagar Vina
His transition from the 90's till date has been absolutely marvelous as he has moved
towards much more melodious and meaningful Ghazals.
The vina was traditionally not played in public, but the young Zia Mohiuddin adopted
it as his primary instrument, giving his first recital at age 16.
With the help of instrument, he enlarged the tumbas (gourds) and dhandhi (hollow
neck) to create greater resonance and to allow the notes to sustain longer and so
better reproduce the techniques used in dhrupad singing.
He was known particularly for his slow development of ragas, which were typically
performed accompanied only by a tanpura and occasionally with pakhawaj, and for
his meticulous attention to microtonal inflections.
Great Recogniation Across the World
He had performed all over the world and also he was affiliated with the American
society of eastern arts in Berkeley, California and taught for many years at the
university of Washington in Seattle and Rotterdam Music Conservatory in Holland.
Awards
In 1990, Ustad was awarded by Kalidas Samman, one of the most prestigious award
of the country by Madhya Pradesh Government. He had also received Sangeet Natak
Academy Award, Maharana Kumbha award and many more.
Catalog of Z.M. Dagar's Performance
