Introduce yourself
India is a country of rich cultures, diverse traditions and a vibrant musical tradition. Indian music can be divided into two broad categories: Classical music and Folk music. Each genre has its own unique features, historical roots, and cultural significance.
Classical Music
The Indian classical music system is highly sophisticated, and has developed over many thousands of years. The music is divided between two major traditions, Carnatic, found in South India and Hindustani, in North India.
Carnatic Music
- The Historical Roots of the Word: Carnatic Music has roots in ancient Hindu tradition and is heavily influenced from Tamil and Telugu culture.
- Instruments: The veena is one of the most important instruments in Carnatic Music.
- Noteworthy Composers Thyagaraja and Muthuswami dikshitar are among the best-known composers of Carnatic Music.
- Structure: Carnatic Music is structured around a raga (melodic structure), a tala (rhythmic cycle), and various improvisational techniques, such as “Alaapana” and “Thani Avarthanam”.
Hindustani Music
- The Historical Roots of the Word: Hindustani Music has been heavily influenced by the ancient Vedic Chants, Persian themes, and Mughal patronage.
- Instruments: Some of the most commonly used musical instruments include sitars, tablas, harmoniums, and a percussion instrument called a’sarod’.
- Notable Gharanas: There are many different schools, also known as Gharanas, including the Kirana Gharana and Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana.
- Structure: Hindustani music is based on ‘Raga and Tala’ with techniques like ‘Alap,’ ‘Jor,’ and Jhalla.
Folk Music
The Indian folk tradition is an important part of India’s cultural heritage, which reflects various cultures, their traditions, and customs. The styles, instruments and themes of folk music vary greatly across the different regions.
Regional Folk Music: Examples
- Bihu (Assam): Bihu music is often associated with Bihu festivals and is accompanied by instruments like dhols, pepas, and gaganas.
- Bhangra and Giddha, Punjab: This lively Punjabi form of dance is performed to the accompaniment of dhols, tumbis, and chimtas, which reflect the rich culture in the area.
- Lavani (Maharashtra): Lavani, a dance-song combination, is characterized as having powerful beats. Instruments like the dholki (drum) and tabla are also used.
- Baul (West Bengal): The music of Baul is spiritually based and performed with instruments like the ektara khamak and dotara.
- Garba (Gujarat): Garba is an Indian dance performed at Navratri. It’s accompanied with folk songs, and musical instruments such as dhol, manjira.
Folk Music Characteristics
- Oral Tradition It is not uncommon for folk music to be passed from one generation to the next orally, allowing it to develop naturally.
- The Community Participation Program: Folk music involves a lot of community involvement and is usually performed in festivals, rituals and at social gatherings.
- Simplicity: Folk music is more simple and accessible than classical music.
- Themes: Many folk songs are based on themes such as everyday life and issues of love, nature or social concern.
You can also read our conclusion.
Indian classical music and its folk counterparts reflect the diversity and richness of India’s culture and heritage. The classical form of music allows for a deep spiritual exploration and the technical aspects of music, while folk music presents a rich tapestry of cultural traditions and day-to-day life in India. These forms of music, when combined, continue to inspire and unite people in India as well as around the globe.
The Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Difference Between Carnatic Music and Hindustani Music?
Carnatic music has its origins in ancient Hindu tradition and is practiced primarily in South India. Instruments such as the veena or mridangam are used primarily. Hindustani Music is predominantly found in North India, and it has been influenced both by Persian and Mughal influences. Instruments like sitar and the tabla are used. Both forms use ‘Ragas’ and ‘Talas’ but differ in their improvisational techniques and historical evolution.
2. What makes folk music unique from classical music
Folk music, in general, is simpler and accessible to a wider audience. Folk music is performed at festivals, social events, and rituals. It involves the community. The themes of folk music are usually centered around love, nature, everyday life and the daily routine. Classical is a highly-structured and complex music that focuses on the technical aspect of performance.
3. What are the most important instruments in Indian classical Music?
Carnatic Music is dominated by the instruments veena (also known as mridangam), ghatam (also called ghatam), and violin. Hindustani is known for its sitars, tablas, harmoniums, and ghatams. Each instrument contributes to the richness of Hindustani music with its distinct sound.
What are the most famous classical musicians in India?
Thyagaraja and Muthuswami dikshitar are notable Carnatic musicians. Syama Sastri is another. Prominent Hindustani musicians include Ravi Shankar (sitar virtuoso), Zakir Hussain (tabla maestro), and Bhimsen Joshi (vocalist).
5. What is the importance of improvisation to Indian classical music
Indian classical music is heavily reliant on improvisation. In Carnatic music, improvisational techniques such as ‘Alaapana’ and ‘Thani Avarthanam’ are used. In Hindustani music, techniques like ‘Alap’, ‘Jor’, and ‘Jhalla’ enable musicians to explore the melodic framework of a Raga in depth. These improvisations give performances a dynamic, spontaneous feel.
6. How can Indian folk music be preserved and spread?
Indian folk songs are primarily passed down orally. Oral tradition enables the music to change and adapt with time. It preserves its essence, while adding new elements. The tradition is kept alive by social gatherings and festivals.
7. What are some examples of folk music from different Indian regions that you can give?
In India, the folk music is very different in each region. Bihu from Assam, for instance, has a connection with the agricultural cycle. It is played during the Bihu festivals. Punjab’s Bhangra, Giddha and other dance forms reflect vibrant cultures. Baul, the music of West Bengal, has spiritual overtones, and Garba is a Gujarati dance form performed at Navratri. Both showcase regional traditions and celebrations.
8. What Gharanas are in Hindustani classical Music?
In Hindustani classical music, a ‘Gharana’ refers to a system of social organization linking musicians by lineage or apprenticeship, and by adherence to a particular musical style. Each Gharana is unique in its artistic style and approach. Kirana Gharana is known for its soulful and melodic singing. Gwalior Gharana is known for its Dhrupad style and Khayal focus.
9. What other musical styles have been influenced by Indian classical music?
Indian classical music is a major influence in various music forms around the world. Important musicians, such as Ravi Shankar, collaborated with Westerners like George Harrison of The Beatles in order to introduce Indian music around the globe. Indian instruments and Ragas are used in many genres including jazz, contemporary classical, and fusion.
10. What role do festivals play in the promotion of Indian folk music?
Festivals are essential in spreading Indian folkmusic. These festivals give regional musicians a chance to show off their talents, and preserve these musical tradition. These festivals, such as Bihu (in Assam), Navratri (in Gujarat) and Durga Puja (in Bengal), not only promote the culture of their respective regions, but they also make sure that folk music is an important part of everyday life.
