Indian Music - Origin and Evolution

India has got one of the oldest musical traditions and heritages in the world. One can finds its origin in the Vedas(ancient scripts). Known as 'sangeet' in India, the nation's music has got a unique and varied style as compared to other music forms in the world. 'Sangeet' is a combination of three art forms namely vocal music(gayana), instrumental(vadana) and dance(nritya). These are again based on two important aspects, 'Taal'(rhythym) and 'Raag'(melody)...

Indian music has been influenced by many cultures:

Sufism
The 'sufi' influence in the hindustani music during the medieval period were fused with ideas from Persian music, particularly through the influence of sufi composers like Amir Khusru and Tansen. He symbolizes a crucial turning point in the development of Indian music. Amir Khusru is an icon representing a growing Persian influence on the music. Read More


Hindustani Music

Indian music got divided after the 14th century. Hindustani music seems to have been profusely influenced by the music of Persia and Arabia. It emphasizes on the musical structure and the possibilities of improvisation in it. The main architect of the existing system of Hindustani music was Pandit V N Bhatkhande, who was responsible for the classification of the Ragas into the 10 'thats'. Read More

Carnatic Music
Carnatic music is 'kriti' based and 'saahitya' (lyric) oriented. It is said to have maintained the pure form of Classical music based on 'ragas' and 'taalas' retaining the traditional octave. Spiritualism has always been the prominent content of Carnatic music. One of the greatest influences in the development of Karnatic music was that of the immortal bard, Purandara Dasa. Read More


Folk Music
Music in the villages is learned almost by osmosis. From childhood the music is heard and imbibed along with ones mother's milk. There are numerous public activities that allow the villagers to practice and hone their skills. These are the normal functions which syncronize village life with the universe.

The music is an indispensable component of functions such as weddings, engagements, and births. There is a plethora of songs for such occasions. There are also many songs associated with planting and harvesting. In these activities the villagers routinely sing of their hopes, fears and aspirations. Read More


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