Guardian of heritage: Ustad Ijaz Sarhadi keeps Pakistan’s proud Sarinda tradition alive

PESHAWAR: In the rugged northern valleys where tradition runs deep and melodies echo across generations, Ustad Ijaz Sarhadi stands as a living symbol of Pakistan’s musical heritage. As the country’s sole remaining master of the Sarinda, an instrument rooted in centuries of history, he carries forward an art form that reflects the soul of the nation.

“I’m the only one in all of Pakistan, the only one,” Sarhadi shared with Pakistan TV Digital. “Only one Sarinda. There are no other Sarinda players in Pakistan, none in all of Pakistan.”

For him, the Sarinda is not merely an instrument but a cultural identity tied to the land itself. He proudly clarifies long-held misconceptions about its origin.

“This is from the Tirah Valley in northwestern Pakistan,” he said. “People say it’s from Afghanistan, but no. Whatever you play on it, it feels of the mountains, like you are traveling in the mountains and valleys... The Sarinda carries the fragrance of the mountains.”

The instrument’s structure reflects indigenous craftsmanship: a wooden resonator stretched with goat skin, a key element fashioned from bull horn, historically supported by goat-gut strings, and a bow strung with horsehair.

Its sound and construction both embody Pakistan’s deep connection to nature and artisanal skill.

Lifting his cherished Sarinda, Sarhadi speaks of a lineage that predates the country itself. “This particular Sarinda is way older than Pakistan,” he explained. “My grandfather’s uncle played this, then my grandfather, then my father, and I have kept it like a precious bouquet.”

His family’s musical heritage is woven into the broader story of South Asian classical music. His grandfather, Ustad Pazeer Khan, served as a Sarindanawaz at All India Radio before Partition. The tradition flourished through his father, Ustad Muneer Sarhadi.

“My father performed at such a level that he earned even more fame than my grandfather,” he recalled. “He played the Sarinda so beautifully, he played all over the world. It was wonderful.”

Their excellence was nationally recognized. “My father was awarded the Pride of Performance Award,” he said, “and I have been awarded The Pride of Performance – Sitara-E-Imtiaz.”

The outpouring of respect when his father passed away in 1980 deeply shaped his own artistic journey. “When my father passed away, so many letters of condolences came, and not just from regular people... From Heads of State,” he remembered.

Inspired by that recognition, Sarhadi chose to uphold the family legacy. “I realized that my father had had a big name [in this field]. That’s when I decided to play. When I learnt the first note he taught me, he went out and got sweets for my mother.

Pointing at me, he said, ‘He will follow in my footsteps.’”

Over the years, he has become a cultural ambassador for the country. “I traveled to 18 countries on behalf of the Government. I have performed in 18 countries,” he said with pride.

He hopes that his journey will inspire young Pakistanis to take interest in the Sarinda, ensuring that this timeless art continues to flourish. With his dedication and the nation’s growing appreciation for its cultural roots, Ustad Ijaz Sarhadi’s life work stands as a testament to Pakistan’s rich artistic heritage.

His message to the next generation is simple but powerful: the Sarinda is not just an instrument, it is a living piece of Pakistan.