Zia Mohiuddin Dagar, also known as Z.M. Dagar, was an eminent Indian musician renowned for his mastery of the rudra veena, an ancient stringed instrument associated with the Dhrupad tradition, which is one of the oldest forms of North Indian classical music. He was born into the Dagar family of musicians, a lineage with a storied history in Dhrupad music, in 1929 and was instrumental in preserving and elevating the art of veena playing within the classical genre.

Dagar's recordings exemplify the meditative and profound characteristics of Dhrupad, with performances such as "Vrindavan 1982," "Bhairavi," and "Raag Multani (Live)" showcasing the depth and intricacy of his artistry. Among aficionados, his "Live in Stockholm 1969" and later Seattle performances in 1986, on titles like "Raga Yaman" and "Ragas Abhogi & Vardhani," are highly regarded for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. He was not just a performer but also an educator, spending a significant part of his life teaching the rudra veena and Dhrupad, thus ensuring the continuation of his tradition. His contributions to Indian classical music have been widely recognized, and his legacy continues to inspire veena players and Dhrupad musicians around the world. Zia Mohiuddin Dagar passed away on September 28, 1990, leaving behind a rich discography that continues to be celebrated by connoisseurs of classical Indian music.

Genres

Dhrupad

Hindustani Classical

Hindustani Instrumental

Indian Classical

Veena

Latest Release

Vrindavan 1982

Zia Mohiuddin Dagar

Single - Released November 10, 2023