Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar

Zia Mohiuddin Dagar (performing as Z. M. Dagar; March 14, 1929 – September 28, 1990) was an Indian Hindustani classical rudra veena player from Udaipur, Rajasthan. Dagar belonged to the 19th generation of the Dagar family and trained under Ustad Ziauddin Khan Dagar. Dagar performed a first recital at age 16. Dagar was responsible for the revival of the rudra veena as a solo instrument, modifying the instrument to enlarge the gourds and neck for greater resonance. Following Indian independence in 1947, the Dagar family moved to Mumbai and worked in garages to sustain themselves. Dagar later served as a guest professor at the University of Washington and the Rotterdam Music Conservatory. Recordings include the albums Rudra Veena Recital (1974) and Raga Mangeyabushan (1974). Awards include the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1981) and the Kalidas Samman (1986). In 1982, Dagar established the Dhrupad Gurukul. Dagar died on September 28, 1990.