The Last Custodian: A Kashmiri Artisan's Battle to Save a Musical Legacy
Original Publication: 27 July 2025
Among the turmoil of a conflicted land, a single thread of melody endured. For centuries, the ancestral craft of singing the Quran has been passed down among the Muslim populations of the Kashmir Valley. A creamy silk texture, intricate harmonic resonance, and a spiritual aura characterize this unique musical tradition. Among the oldest practicing custodians of this art is Master Bilal. Yet, the history of this musical lineage is threatened by the turmoil of political conflicts that have raged across this region.
Despite the uncertainty that clouds their future, Master Bilal and his family strive to protect their ancestral legacy. Through their story, we explore the dwindling culture of the Kashmiri musical tradition and the unwavering resolve of those who fight to save it.
