Introduction
Music in
India holds a deep historical legacy, tracing back to Vedic traditions and
evolving through distinct classical forms like Hindustani and Carnatic. It
encompasses various genres, including folk, devotional, and contemporary music.
Practiced as both a spiritual and artistic discipline, it is integral to
festivals, ceremonies, and religious rituals. Indian music also serves as a
medium of social expression, fostering unity and cultural identity. From
regional variations to modern adaptations, it reflects the nation’s diversity
and continuity. Its influence extends beyond entertainment, playing a
significant role in preserving traditions while adapting to contemporary
cultural dynamics.
Indian Music
With its
sublime tradition Indian Music is reckoned as one of the oldest
unbroken musical traditions in the world. Despite India`s vast area and many
cultures, its musical traditions are linked by distinctive central threads.
History of Indian Music
History of Indian music has its origins in divine
tradition. The rich history of Indian music unveils the fact that the divine
sage Narada introduced the art of music to the Earth from heaven.
Philosophy in Indian Music
Philosophy in Indian Music is very strongly rooted in
Classical Indian philosophy and thought. Since the earliest times, music was
treated as a manifestation of the divine. It was considered as a medium of
understanding the all-pervading divinity.
Traditional Indian Music
Traditional Indian music is a reflection of the country`s
extreme cultural diversity. There is a very rich legacy of cultural music in
India which has been developed over several eras and spans centuries.
Indian Classical Music
Indian Classical music is rooted in the Vedas, the oldest
of the Hindu scriptures. The term `Classical` is indicative of the fact that
the art was mainly patronized by the elite in society and performed for their
benefit.
Forms of Hindustani Music
Forms of Hindustani music are quite a few in numbers. At
present, in context of Hindustani or North Indian classical music, Dhrupad and
Khayal are the two main styles of compositional and singing forms which are
prevalent in north India.
Forms of Carnatic Music
Forms of Carnatic music are rather rich and varied. In
compositions belonging to the realm of pure music or absolute music, the
Sahitya is only a vehicle in helping one to sing and remember music.
Music Gharanas of Northern India
Music Gharanas of Northern India comprises of an organizational
system of musicians or dancers following a particular style by lineage in
northern part of the country.
Music Gharanas of Central India
Music Gharanas of Central India exhibit different styles of Indian
classical music. These Gharanas have produced numerous mesmerizing renditions
gaining huge accolades.
Music Gharanas of Western India
Music Gharanas of Western India are the organizational systems or
tradition of music having a typical style. Musicians following a particular
Gharana follow a specific style of singing.
Indian Musical Instruments
Indian musical instruments are as old as its musical tradition
and culture. This fascination is passionately encased into the poetic and
mythic imagination of the Indians and is reverberated amidst the fervour of
folktales, fables, myths and legends.
Music in Indian Theatre
Music is an
inseparable part of Indian theatre. Vocal music or Sangita includes gita (vocal
music), vadya (instrumental music), and nartana (dancing) and depends upon
rhythm. In the art of music there are two main distinctions in the theory and
practice of Sangita.
Classical Indian musical theatre
Classical Indian musical theatre is a popular genre of Indian drama
and is reckoned as one of the revered arts of the classical Hindu temple
culture. When it becomes too much to articulate through words then the romantic
longing of expressing through dance and music comes in.
Indian Folk Music
Indian Folk Music encompasses a wide variety of
musical styles which defy any definition. It is a rather popular genre of music
which has captivated music lovers since the remote past with its rhythm, tune,
lyrics and pulse.
Indian Tribal Music
Indian Tribal Music is a mystical form of experience
that best depicts the rich heritage of the country. Indian Tribal Music is
considered to be a version of house music. The music is mostly accompanied by
drum-beats, with no presence of specific melody.
Music in Modern India
Modern developments in
Indian music could be said to have begun with the songs of the world famous
Indian poet, author and painter, Rabindranath Tagore. The lyricist and music
composer of more than 2,000 songs.
Indian Film Music
Whether it
is the Bollywood or the Tamil film industry or any other, music is essential. Indian film music industry is lucky to have been
blessed with remarkable singers. If one hears these voices it is
impossible to forget the melody in them.
Indian Musicians
Indian Musicians are very diverse and comprises of
extremely talented individuals who are good at their respective domains of
music, be it singing or playing an Indian or western instrument. Indian Music is considered to be one of the
oldest musical traditions in the world.
Indian Music Festivals
Indian music festivals have several stories related to it,
and speak about the musical culture of India. In India music existed as a form
of art since a long time. From past, music is considered as cultural
tradition.
Indian Music Bands
Indian Music Bands are the musical groups that have
created a renaissance in Indian music by involving loud music beats,
contemporary ideas and conscious words. The tradition has been reinforced with
rock bands in different parts of the country.
Influences on Indian Music
Influences on Indian music have been many and varied. The
impact of Indian Thought and Philosophy on Indian Classical Music and of the
various customs on the external and internal natural aspects of our melodic
musical culture has ever been one major expression of our cultural heritage.