Discussing the rich culture of Jammu and Kashmir which has preserved its heritage and legacy is one of the most popular music which influences a wide range of the population. The Kashmiri music is somewhere closer to Central Asian music which uses traditional Central Asian instruments and musical balances whereas, music from Jammu is parallel to North India and Ladakhi music is comparable to that of Tibet. The traditional music of Jammu and Kashmir can be categorised into six types i.e. Chakri, Henzae, Rouf or Wanwun, Ladishah, Sufiana Kalam (Kashmiri classical), Hindustani classical etc.

1) Chakri

It is one of the most famous customary music played in Jammu and Kashmir. This unique music is played on instruments such as harmonium, the rubab, the sarangi, the nout, the geger, the chimta etc. This music can be heard when played by the Muslim and Hindu Kashmiris.

2) Henzae

This is an ancient folk song which is performed by Kashmiri Pandits. It is known as the oldest form of Kashmiri folk music.

3) Rouf or Wanwun

Rouf is a historical dance form usually practised by women on certain special occasions such as marriages etc. and also in other cultural activities.

4) Ladishah

This is one of the essential traditional parts of Kashmiri music. It is a sarcastic form of singing. Ladishah is usually sung or performed to depict the social and political conditions at a given situation. This is usually performed during the harvesting period during which singers travel from one village to another. The song is generally composed of the social, political and cultural issues of that particular village.

5) Sufiana Kalam (Kashmiri classical)

This one is the classical form of music of Kashmir which comprises its own ragas (well-known as maqam) and is escorted by Santoor which is a hundred-stringed instrument along with the Kashmiri saz, the setar, the wasool and the dokra. The dance which is based on the sofiyiana kalam is the hafiz nagma.

6) Hindustani Classical

The folk music of Jammu and Kashmir is known as Hindustani classical. This includes music and several musical instruments which were discussed in the ancient texts like the Nilmatapurana and Rajatarangini by Kalhana. This form of music is also played on Santoor.