J&K govt. bids for Sufiyana music’s inclusion in UNESCO’s intangible heritage list

Sufiyana Mousiqi, believed to be in practice since the 15^th Century in Kashmir with its muqamsor ragas, is for the first time bidding for the inclusion in list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written a formal letter to Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and pressed for its inclusion in the UNESCO list.

“Given the exceptional heritage value of Kashmiri Sufiyana Music and its relevance to the objectives of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention, I shall be grateful if the proposal is examined sympathetically and necessary action initiated for taking the nomination forward through the prescribed channels,” reads the letter of Mr. Abdullah.

In the letter, the J&K Chief Minister sought the Union ministry’s support in “securing global recognition for this priceless cultural legacy of Jammu & Kashmir which shall be a matter of pride for India”.

Mr. Abdullah underlined that recognition by UNESCO would “not only ensure international visibility and safeguarding of this invaluable tradition but would also facilitate its preservation, documentation, promotion, and transmission to future generations”.

Rooted in 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 medium for promoting harmony, inclusiveness, and cultural dialogue, reflecting the composite ethos of our society,” reads the letter.

A proposal for the UNESCO submission was prepared by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Kashmir chapter. It termed Kashmiri Sufiyana music as one of the “most distinguished manifestations of the cultural and spiritual heritage of Jammu & Kashmir”. 

Saleem Beg, who heads the Kashmir chapter of the INTACH, said the inclusion will result in “international visibility and recognition on a global platform”. “Sufiyana music or Sufiana Kalam or Sufiana Mousiqi meets the core criteria for nomination under the ICH framework. It is a classical music form rooted in Sufi mysticism, representing a unique synthesis of devotional poetry, melody, and rhythm. The tradition embodies Kashmir’s composite culture and its historic ethos of spiritual harmony,” said Mr. Beg.

Mr. Beg said Sufiyana Mousiqi emerged between the 14^th and 15^th centuries, when Kashmir became a cross-cultural link for India, Persia, 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 that blended with existing Kashmiri traditions,” said Mr. Beg.

He said rather than replacing local traditions, these influences merged with indigenous Kashmiri musical practices, creating a distinctive classical form that belongs exclusively to Kashmir. “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 civilisations, Persian, Islamic and Shaivite, both classic and folk,” he added. 

It’s believed that Sufiyana Mausiki had around fifty-four maqams or ragas and only 20-25 are in practice now. Most Sufiyana Mausiki opens with an instrumental prelude and a short poem sung without rhythm. It uses specific instruments of santoor, ney (a type of flute), harmonium, rabab, tabla and sitar.

UNESCO has already included several intangible art forms like Vedic Chanting, Ramlila, Mudiyettu, Buddhist Chanting, Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja and Garba in the list.