This collection consists of essays by Rashid Malik [d. 2007] – economist, researcher & musicologist. He was one of the few scholars who wrote about music in both English and Urdu. His articles included in this book had appeared over the years in 2 newspapers in Pakistan [Frontier Post, The Nation]. They reflect the author's vast knowledge of Indian classical music (ICM) and its exponents. Rashid Malik's analysis and comments on the art of the legendary artistes is very useful for the students of ICM. Dr. Muhammad Athar Masood, a longtime friend and close confidant of Rashid Malik, and a vocalist practicing classical music, compiled them after tracking down, copying and editing. The task has consumed countless hours of searching in far-flung and poorly-catalogued public libraries, visited after spending as many hours under the scorching sun – the precious free hours which remained after Dr. Athar Masood fulfilled his exacting duties as civil servant in the capacity of Magistrate, Assistant Commissioner and a District Officer in remote districts of Punjab. Athar Masood holds a doctorate in Persian from Punjab University (Lahore), and seems to share Rashid Malik’s unusual combination of background and interests. The void he felt when Rashid Malik passed away seems to have spurred him on to accomplish this labour of love. Now people who have not been privileged to meet Rashid Malik will be able to read a fraction of his writings. Two unpublished essays have also been added. No better tribute to Rashid Malik could have been paid on fifth anniversary of his death.
[ Adopted from the Preface by Dileep Karanth, Lecturer, Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Kenosha, USA ]