Definition
Nazir Jairazbhoy (1931 – 2009) was an Indian‑American ethnomusicologist and professor renowned for his scholarly work on South Asian, particularly Hindustani, classical music. He authored several influential texts, contributed to the development of ethnomusicology curricula in the United States, and served as a faculty member at the University of Maryland.
Overview
Born in 1931 in Karachi (then part of British India, now Pakistan), Jairazbhoy pursued higher education in music and the humanities. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Delhi and later obtained a Ph.D. in musicology from the University of California, Berkeley. In the 1960s, he joined the Department of Music at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he taught courses in ethnomusicology, South Asian music, and music theory.
During his tenure, Jairazbhoy held administrative positions, including Chair of the Department of Music and Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. He was instrumental in establishing the university’s World Music program and promoted interdisciplinary approaches to the study of music.
Jairazbhoy authored a number of significant publications, most notably The Raga Guide (co‑edited with Joep Bor) and Music of Hindustani: The Theory of Indian Music (1995). His research explored the theoretical foundations of Indian ragas, performance practice, and the cultural contexts of South Asian music. He also contributed articles to journals such as Ethnomusicology and The Journal of the Indian Musicological Society.
He retired from active teaching in the early 2000s but remained an active scholar and mentor until his death in 2009.
Etymology/Origin
- Nazir is an Arabic‑derived given name meaning “observer” or “administrator.”
- Jairazbhoy is a Parsi (Zoroastrian) surname common among the Indian diaspora; the suffix “‑bhoy” is derived from the Persian word “bāhū,” meaning “lord” or “master.”
Characteristics
- Academic Focus: Specialized in Hindustani classical music theory, raga structure, and the sociocultural dimensions of South Asian music.
- Methodology: Integrated fieldwork, textual analysis of classical treatises, and comparative musicological approaches.
- Teaching Contributions: Developed foundational courses in world music and ethnomusicology, mentoring a generation of scholars in South Asian studies.
- Publications: Produced widely cited monographs, edited volumes, and peer‑reviewed articles that are standard references in the field.
- Professional Service: Served on editorial boards of major musicology journals and participated in societies such as the Society for Ethnomusicology.
Related Topics
- Ethnomusicology
- Hindustani classical music
- Raga (music)
- University of Maryland College Park – Department of Music
- South Asian music studies
- Parsi diaspora and cultural contributions in the United States