Indian Classical Music

Music is the soul of the cosmos. It is found everywhere from the rustling of the trees to the playful streams and to the titter-patter of the raindrops. Indian music, in particular is one of the oldest and finest forms of human expression. The Vedas, representing the most ancient literature known to the world, are set to a distinctive melody that is absolutely soothing. Folk and classical music developed side by side. The varied human passions like, agony, ecstasy, sorrow, hope, desire etc. found expression in the subtle notes of music.

Hindustani and Carnatic are the two major systems of classical music. Though they have similar origin and source, according to ancient scripts, they seem distinct. A new form of Hindustani classical emerged during the 13th and 14th centuries. This was known as Khayal, meaning imagination. The style gave an entirely new meaning to Hindustani classical music. Amir Khusrau is considered to be the proponent of this style.

 

Raga (melody) is India’s contribution to the world of music. It is fundamental to Indian classical music, both Hindustani and Carnatic. A highly scientific and practical scheme of raga classification introduced by Venkatamahi became the foundation for Indian classical music. Ragas are made of different combination of sapta swara or seven notes. These are Sa Sadjam, Ri Rishabam, Ga Gaandhaaram, Ma Madhyamam, Pa Pancham, Dha Dhaivadam, Ni Nishadam. Swara is generally defined as a note whereas a shruti is the microtonal intervals between two swaras.

 

Be it Carnatic or Hindustani classical music, Indian classical music reflects Indian life, having no predetermined beginning or end, but flowing uninterrupted through the composer-performer. The purpose of Indian classical music is to refine one’s soul, discipline one’s body, to make one aware of the infinite within one, to unite one’s breath with that of space and one’s vibrations with that of the cosmos.