Indian Music – The Culture and Tradition


India is known for its diverse culture and heritage. Music has always occupied a significant position in the Indian culture. The oldest Hindu scripture: Vedas also mentions about music. Samadeva, one of the four vedas describes music at length.

The basis of Indian music is “sangeet”. Sangeet is a combination of three different are forms, namely: vocal, instrumental and dance. Raag and Taal form the two most important pillar of Indian music. “Raag comprises of the melodic part of Indian Music while Taal forms the rhythmic aspect.

Indian classical is monophonic in nature and is usually based around a single melody line. The two main forms of music prevalent in India are:

Hindustani Classical, originally from North India: This form of Indian Classical originated from the Vedic Chants and are popular in northern part of India, including various neighboring countries, like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal etc. The types of compositions that are included in this genre are:

  • Drupad
  • Khayal
  • Tarana
  • Tappa
  • Thumri
  • Ghazal

Carnatic, originally from South India: This form of Indian music is famous in the southern part of the subcontinent that covers fours states: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The types of compositions that are included in this genre are:

  • Varnam
  • Kriti

Some of the instruments associated with Indian music are: tanpura, tabla, sitar, sarod, harmonium, pakhawaj, bansuri, shehanai, violin etc. Some of the eminent singers of Indian Classical music are: Tansen, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, D.V. Paluskar, G.N. Balasubramanium, Abdul Karim Khan, Faiyaz Khan etc.


Source by Deboleena Ghosh