Video By: Nadiya Shafi | Article By: Nusrat Ali
The Rabab, as we know it today, is believed to be a newer version of the rabab mentioned in historical texts. Also known as the Kabuli Rabab, the instrument is the national instrument of Afghanistan, from where it made its way into India and was adopted by the people of Kashmir. It is believed to be the progenitor of other instruments in the subcontinent like the sarod and the sarangi. However, centuries after it was first adopted, only a handful of musicians play the instrument and are finding it difficult to keep the tradition alive.
At a time when the popularity of Western music is on the rise in Kashmir, music lovers and artists are ensuring the revival of the rabab, one of the oldest musical instruments adopted by Kashmiris.
Adnan Manzoor a 19-year-old rabab player from Srinagar is recounting how he came to play the instrument, he tells Community Correspondent Nadiya Shafi that he was intrigued by the rabab since childhood.
He has performed in various parts of Kashmir and outside Kashmir. His only wish is to promote Kashmiri culture.
