The Instrument Making Legacy of Miraj
A glimpse into our workshop's history and the 1850-era tradition that defines every instrument I create.
This is the famous tanpura monument at the entrance of our city, Miraj. It is a symbol of our town's deep connection to Indian classical music and instrument making.
It was an honor for the Sitarmaker family to host Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe at our workshop. We discussed the challenges faced by artisans and he honored my uncle for his Sangeet Natak Akademi award.
Walking through the streets of Miraj with Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, showing him the place where our craft has lived for generations.
A group photo with Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe and members of our family and artisan community inside our workshop. The portraits on the wall are of our ancestors who started this tradition.
Explaining the finer points of our craft to Dr. Sahasrabuddhe. It is important for us that people in positions of authority understand the skill and dedication that goes into this work.
Another photo from Dr. Sahasrabuddhe's visit, a moment of pride for our entire family and the artisan community of Miraj.
My senior, Naushad Sitarmaker, receiving the Dr. Anil Avchat Smruti Srujan award in Pune for his remarkable work in the field of stringed instruments.
A close up from the Ustad Hameed Khan Sangeetotsav, where my senior Naushad Gulab saheb Sitarmaker was felicitated alongside Pandit Anand Bhate.
Another moment from the felicitation ceremony in Dharwad. It is a great honor for our family to be recognized on such respected platforms for our contribution to music.
The community coming together to honor the artists and artisans at the Sangeetotsav. This shows the deep respect people have for music and its traditions.
About Our Legacy in Miraj
When you visit my workshop in Shaniwar Peth, you are not just looking at a shop. You are stepping into a lineage that started in 1850. Every instrument that leaves these doors carries the responsibility of six generations of Miraj artisans who have dedicated their lives to achieving the ultimate tone, ensuring that the sound reflects our heritage rather than just a commercial standard.
The history of instrument making in Miraj is deep, and my family has been at the center of it for generations. Seeing respected figures like Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe visit our workspace to honor the skill of our community is a humbling reminder of why this work matters. It is not just about the wood or the strings; it is about keeping a living tradition alive.
When you see these photos of award ceremonies or community gatherings, you are witnessing the recognition of thousands of hours spent on jawari adjustments and traditional structural work. Whether it is the Sangeet Natak Akademi recognition for my uncle Majeed or the Dr. Anil Avchat Smruti Srujan award, these honors are shared by the whole community of Miraj artisans. We struggle to keep these old techniques relevant in a modern world, but it is a challenge we accept with pride.
I believe that to honor this legacy, we must bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. That is why I continue to work on everything from antique restorations to custom electric Zitars. If you have an instrument that needs care, or if you simply want to understand the lineage of a Sitar before purchasing, I am here to share that story with you.
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