Qasim developed his own musical style, as required by the Afghan court, from the
symbiosis between
classical Indian music and Afghan
folklore. He primarily sang composed songs in Dari, the official court language of both the
Iranian plateau and
northern India, but also wrote and performed songs in Urdu,
Hindi, and Pashto. During Qasim's life, Afghanistan was ruled by a monarchy. From the age of 20 onward, Qasim provided his musical services to various Afghan
sovereigns, including
Emir Abdur Rahman Khan, who was known as the "Bismarck of Afghanistan" and who made him the court's royal singer. This promotion is said to have consisted of a
rubab and 200
Afghanis, known at the time as
rupees. As such, Qasim performed in a
British embassy in 1917. Music composed by Qasim in 1919 was used in a
Mujahideen battle song and, in turn, as the
national anthem of Afghanistan from 1992 to 2006. Qasim reached the high point of his career during the administration of
Emir Habibullah Khan. The reform king continued to support Qasim's music, even after his father's murder. Qasim opened a
music school and, as a result of his talents, received the title of "
Ustad" (master) from Habibullah Khan. His popularity increased even further as
radio broadcasting came to Kabul. Amanullah Khan was allegedly so enthralled by Qasim's voice and his songs that he even had Qasim's
records played on
gramophones during
state visits in
Asia and
Europe. ==Credits==