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Sindh Music

Sindh has been phenomenally rich in music. Music constitutes a very integral part of Sindh’s cultural heritage. Sindhi music continues to retain its original form and shape despite the innovation and influence of the Arabic, Persian and Indian music.

Folk music forms the larger bulk of Sindhi music. Sindhi folk music is typical of the life style of Sindhi folks and reflects its history and cultural roots.

These folk tunes continue to enrich the traditions and customs of the people of rural areas. Folk songs in Sindhi society are purposeful and often have the holiness of a ceremonial rite.

Folk song is the foundation on which Sindhi music is based. The classical as well as light music derives inspiration from folk songs. Great musicians and singers have composed their exquisite melodies out of folk songs.Folk music is common in every part of the world but it has some outstanding characteristics in the lower Indus valley. It not only reflects the culture and tradition of the people and express their emotions and sentiments but also contains beautiful description of hills, deserts, lakes, rivers, plains, forests, the Moon, the Sun, stars, clouds, rains, camels, swans and many other aspects of nature.

Before the advent of Islam in the subcontinent, folk music was mainly confined to religious songs and psalms. After the advent of Islam in the subcontinent, Muslim Sufi poets who dedicated their lives for the spread of Islamic teachings in every nook and corner, thought that folk songs were the best method for achievement of their ultimate object.