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The Dagar Tradition (Dagarvani)

The Dagar tradition, known as Dagarvani, is one of the most distinguished lineages in Dhrupad music, spanning over 20 generations of unbroken musical heritage.

Origins

The Dagar family traces its lineage back to Swami Haridas in the 15th century. The family's earliest documented ancestor of significance is Baba Gopal Das Pandey. According to oral history, Gopal Das was ostracized by his fellow Brahmins for having accepted a paan offered by the Mughal ruler Muhammad Shah Rangile, in recognition of his rendition of Dhrupad. The family adopted Islam in subsequent generations, but the musical tradition remained unbroken.

A pivotal figure in the lineage is Behram Khan of Jaipur (1753–1878), who consolidated the Dagarvani tradition. He trained his sons and nephews, including Zakiruddin Khan and Allabande Khan, whose descendants carried the tradition forward into the modern era.

The Dagar Brothers

The tradition was carried forward in the 20th century by a remarkable group of brothers who collectively transformed Dhrupad's reach:

  • Ustad Nasir Moinuddin Dagar & Ustad Aminuddin Dagar (the "Senior Dagar Brothers") — They popularized Dagarvani across India and the West. Aminuddin Dagar received the Padmabhushana in 1986.

  • Ustad Nasir Zaheeruddin Dagar & Ustad Nasir Fayyazuddin Dagar (the "Junior Dagar Brothers") — Based in Delhi, they were known for their powerful and deeply meditative performances.

  • Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar — The greatest exponent of the Rudra Veena in the family, he revolutionized the instrument and elevated it to new heights of expression.

  • Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar — Vocalist and Director of Dhrupad Kendra, Bhopal. He added to the global popularity of Dhrupad through concerts and workshops worldwide.

  • Ustad Rahim Fahimuddin Dagar — A great scholar and performer, well-versed in both theoretical and practical aspects of Dhrupad.

Their European tour of 1964–65 was a landmark event that introduced Western audiences to the beauty of Dhrupad. In India, they formed the Dhrupad Society to promote the art form, inviting exponents from all gharanas to share their platform.

The Art of Dagarvani

The main art of Dagarvani singing lies in the merukhand alap, structured on ten finesses known as svara-lakshanas:

  1. Akar — A round finesse around each note
  2. Dagar — The typical phrases of the raga are woven out; literally means "the pathway"
  3. Dhuran — The shrutis are expounded in a round and ascending order
  4. Muran — Round melodic patterns return to a sounding note in descending order
  5. Kampita — A form of vibrato
  6. Kampan — A shivering quality
  7. Andolita — A swinging ornamental movement
  8. Lahak — Notes travel in a lashing manner with breath-force
  9. Gamak — Notes spring with a modulating force, articulated with rounded lips
  10. Sphurti — Performed in the final phase of alap, rendered in very fast tempo with rhythmic variations in the jhala movement

The voice culture of Dagarvani is especially delicate, characterized by fluidity and expansiveness. This is achieved by dividing each tone into several microtones (ananta shruti), creating extraordinary tonal subtlety.

The Current Generation

The Dagar tradition continues today. Bahauddin Dagar, son of Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar, carries forward the Rudra Veena tradition. Nafeesuddin Dagar and Aneesuddin Dagar represent the 20th generation of the unbroken lineage, ensuring that Dagarvani lives on.