Ustad Mohi Baha’Uddin Dagar

Bahauddin Dagar, also known as Baha’ud’din Mohiuddin Dagar, was born in 1970 into the illustrious Dagar family, long associated with the Dhrupad tradition of North Indian classical music. He belongs to a lineage that traces its musical roots back several centuries, with historical references to Nayak Haridas Dagar and later figures in the Dagar parampara.

He began learning the rudra veena at the age of sixteen under the guidance of his father, Zia Mohiuddin Dagar, one of the 20th century’s most influential rudra veena maestros. After his father’s passing in 1990, he continued rigorous training with his uncle Zia Fariduddin Dagar, deepening his grounding in Dagarbani aesthetics.

Bahauddin Dagar’s music is marked by a slow, introspective unfolding of raga, sustained tonal purity, and emphasis on the alap-jod-jhala structure central to Dhrupad instrumental performance. As one of the few contemporary performers dedicated to the rudra veena, he plays an important role in keeping the instrument and its repertoire active on the concert stage.

In recognition of his artistry and contribution to Indian classical music, he was conferred the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2012. He continues to perform at major festivals and concerts, representing a living continuation of the Dagar tradition in the 21st century.