The Embrace of Traditional Music: Pakistan's National Instrument

Pakistan's rich musical heritage is as old as its history, with traditional instruments playing a crucial role in the cultural landscape. Among these, the begging bowl katora holds a significant position, having replaced the daf as the country's national instrument.

The Daf: A Historical Brief

In the earlier days, the Daf was a hand drum that resembled a large tambourine. It consisted of a wooden hoop and a skin stretched over it. The instrument has historical and religious significance, often used in both Hindu and Muslim religious music. My wife's family, originally from a region now in Pakistan, used the Daffli, a term they also applied to the daf. Interestingly, the term 'daffli' was more commonly used by Hindus whereas Muslims referred to it as 'daf duff'.

A Musical Legacy: Development and Inheritance

The contribution of Emperor Jehangir to Indian music is commendable. He was instrumental in inventing many of the instruments used today in Indian music. Jehangir's burial place is near Lahore, Pakistan. However, the Ulama in Pakistan have not fully acknowledged these rich musical contributions. This oversight is part of the broader cultural loss faced by Pakistan. Instruments like the sitar, sarod, tabla, sarangi, iktara, dotara, and shehnai are recognized as national treasures, but their significance is often overshadowed.

Cultural Evolution and Rediscovery

While Pakistan is only 75 years old, its traditions and cultural instruments are still being defined. One such instrument that has gained prominence is the katora. Unlike the daf, the katora is a Iranian frame drum with no attachments that produce jingling sounds. It is often used in folk music, particularly in Punjabi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions. The katora, though not officially recognized as the national instrument, has gained popularity and is frequently played in various settings, including markets, schools, political rallies, and even in mosques.

The Future of Traditional Instruments

Despite the challenges, traditional music and cultural instruments continue to thrive in Pakistan. The people of Pakistan take pride in their musical heritage, and the instruments mentioned earlier, such as the sitar, sarod, and punjabi folk flute, are often central to folk music. The rubab, in particular, is the main instrument in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This cultural journey highlights the enduring legacy of these instruments and the efforts to preserve and promote traditional music in Pakistan.