Nearly half a century after the curtains came down for the last time on the life of Aftaab-e-Mausiqi (the Sun of Music) Faiyaz Khan, raj gayak in the court of Sayajirao, on November 5, 1950, the city is finally prepared to brush away the cobwebs -- physical and metaphorical -- from his mazaar in the Shia graveyard at Karelibaug.

Once recognised as one of the best vocalists of the Agra gharana of Hindustani classical music, Faiyaz Khan's grave today languishes in utter obscurity. Even the most intrepid of music aficionados are likely to baulk at the the 20-odd tin-shed garages surrounding the 752 sq m Isna Ashari Husaini Imambara Trust graveyard. Garage mechanics discourage them further, insisting there's nothing like a mazaar anywhere there.

If this is the way the living is treated, the dead are not much better off. Ghulam A Bhojani, president of the local Shia Isna Ashari Jamat, says even burials have to be deferred sometimes because of the encroachers' attitudes.``I've apprised the Vadodara Municipal Corporation a number of times about the menace. Not because I'm worried about the land, but for the sake of the musician who lies buried there'', an agitated Bhojani told Express Newsline. Tabla artiste Anil Gadgil, too, is upset for similar reasons.

Joining them in their tirade are jaltarang exponent Dattatreya Gaekwad, sitarist Shrikant Mule and musician S K Saxena.

And believe it or not Police Commissioner J Mahapatra's wife Gyanda and Municipal Commissioner G R Aloria. The musically inclined duo have sworn to ensure the grave receives the respect it deserves. Never mind that at least part of the battle is with the Vadodara Municipal Corporation.

But what sets Bhojani's crusade apart from the others is his determination to revive the respect for Faiyaz Khan's grave despite his sect's disapproval of anything musical.

``My religion prohibits any music sessions -- especially at the mazaar -- but I am all for lectures on music. That might give employment to some people, which is something espoused in the Koran'', says Bhojani.

While J Mahapatra is ready to extend financial assistance for the project, Gadgil wants to institutionalise concerts in Faiyaz Khan's memory. Other musicians, too, are eager to organise regular musical evenings in tribute to the singer.

As they say, better late than never.