Classical Indian Music: Origin, Types, Instruments, and More

Classical Indian music is one of the world’s most varied and creative musical genres, with a history lasting thousands of years. It is not just an art form but a way of life, with a basis in spirituality, culture, and philosophy. There are two main branches of this classical Indian music: North Indian Hindustani music and South Indian Carnatic music. Despite having similar origins, they have developed special characteristics over the years. This topic may help you prepare for the UPSC – Art and Culture examination and may also appear in some competitive exams like SSC, IBPO and others. The article will take you through its origin, types of compositions, instruments used and other details required related to classical Indian music.

What is Classical Indian Music?

Indian classical music is the music of the Indian Subcontinent. Terms like Shastriya sangeet and Marg sangeet are usually used to describe this type of music. Indian classical music has a long history that began in South Asia and is now performed all over the world.

• Its roots can be found in the famous Vedic texts from more than 6,000 years ago, where chanting gave origin to a system of musical notes and rhythmic patterns.
• It is therefore strongly connected to the natural world, drawing inspiration from seasons, daytime hours, and other natural events to generate musical tones known as “ragas” and numerous additional “taals.”
• While most music is improvised within the limits of notes and mathematics, compositions are set. This allows the music to flow freely and guarantees that every performance – regardless of artist – is entirely original.
• Traditionally, Indian classical music has been passed down verbally, with students spending years in deep spiritual relationships with their “gurus,” absorbing not only the music’s aspects but also moral and philosophical lessons that will impact them for the rest of their lives.
• Even though Indian classical music is widely available and has been carefully recorded and noted, understanding, observing, and listening are still important, and working with an expert is thought to be the most effective way of gaining knowledge.

Origin: Classical Indian Music

The origin and history of classical Indian music date back to the Vedic period. The roots of the same emerged through the Vedic literature of Hinduism. The major changes and how they developed have always been a topic of discussion, which have been discussed below:

• During the Vedic period, hymns from the Samaveda – one of the four Vedas, were recited using specific melodic patterns called “sama.” This is where classical Indian music originated. The two key elements of Indian classical music, raga (melodic frameworks) and tala (rhythmic cycles), were developed as a result of these hymns.
• Indian music changed over centuries due to the impact of religious movements, especially Buddhism, Hinduism, and subsequently Islam. The Sufi traditions and the Bhakti movement made major improvements to the music’s devotional quality, highlighting its spiritual foundation.

Also Read: Odissi Dance: History, Features and Facts

Types of Compositions in Classical Indian Music

Classical Indian music is composed mostly of a few primary styles, with several more that are performed occasionally. Every style is unique, has its own set of guidelines, and is typically connected to an expert’s style.

• Dhrupad: The oldest and most basic form, defined by a lengthy, detailed alap and a lack of enhancement.
• Khayal: Regarded as the most common, khayal singing offers a shorter alap and more elaborate raga additions.
• Thumri: This semi-classical style, which has three regional modifications, is regarded as romantic and is frequently combined with dance.
• Ghazal: A semi-classical vocal style of poetry with many variants was originated in Persia.
• Tappa: This light classical form, which originated in Punjab, is romantic and attractive, usually with a swinging flow.

What Makes Classical Indian Music Different From Other Music?

The structure, purpose, cultural setting, and methods used by classical Indian music set it apart from other genres such as folk music and Bollywood music. 

• Classical music revolves around its complex structures of raga (melodic frameworks) and tala (rhythmic cycles), whereas Bollywood music, which gives importance to entertainment and broad appeal, or folk music, which is straightforward and community-driven.
• Within these frameworks, this style places a high value on creativity, which calls for years of intense training that is often passed on through the guru-shishya (teacher-student) tradition. Specific instruments, such as the sitar and tabla, as well as vocal methods that stress accurate tone and emotional depth, are used in classical music.
• While Bollywood music combines several forms for a wide audience and folk music reflects daily life and regional customs, classical Indian music is a deeply spiritual activity that seeks to awaken particular emotions while creating a connection between the artist and the audience.

Instruments used in Indian Classical Music

There have been a variety of instruments developed and used for Indian classical music. A few of them have been mentioned below:

Sitar: The sitar is a plucked stringed instrument used in classical Hindustani music. The setar, a Persian instrument with three strings, served as the basis for the instrument. It flourished throughout the Mughal era. In India in the 18th century, the sitar took on its current form after it flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries. Its sympathetic strings, gourd-shaped vibration space, long hollow neck, and bridge design all contribute to its unique tone and resonance.

Tabla: The tabla is a pair of drums used in traditional, classical, and folk music. It is a membranophone rhythmic instrument that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Since the 18th century, it has been an extremely important instrument in Hindustani classical music and is still in use today in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nepal.

Vocal: In terms of expression and technique, a lot of instruments try to mimic the voice. There is a rich legacy of vocal music in both North and South India, embracing anything from light-hearted tunes to complicated ‘raga’ elaborations to romantic or spiritual poetry.

Mridangam: The Mridangam is an ancient Indian rhythmic instrument. It serves as the main rhythmic background in Carnatic music units and is referred to as Pakhawaj in Dhrupad.

Also read: Gandhara Art: Features,History, Themes & More

Current Scene and Global Influence

Indian classical music has become well-known worldwide in recent years, attracting musicians and genres all around the world. Through their collaborations with Western classical and jazz performers, Indian music legends such as Ravi Shankar, L. Subramaniam, and Zakir Hussain have taken Indian music to a global audience.

Indian classical music is still rooted in tradition, even with its growing global popularity. In order to ensure that fusion music remains fresh and attracts younger listeners, modern musicians are experimenting with it by fusing classical aspects with other genres.

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