by Sangeeta Deogawanka

Created on: August 28, 2007

Hindu music is as old as the religion itself. It originates in the Hindu beliefs and tenets and the ancient Vedic philosophy.

Hindu music can be classified as :

Indian Classical music
Devotional music
Other Musical genres

Indian Classical music :

This is a complex and complete music structure, with 12 semi-tones (or Octave as in Western Classical format) and 7 basic notes or Swaras (Sa, Re Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni, Sa alias Do, Re, Me, Fa, So, La, Ti, Do) in the pattern of Western Classical music. The philosophy underlying Indian classical music is the attainment of self-realisation through meditation. It is based on Ragas and Taalas (beat rhythms).

Indian classical music is monophonic, weaved around a single melody based on a raga, and rhythmically on a Tala. Each melody or Raga is centered around various Chakras or moods, or particular times of the day, seasons or morphed as female and male Ragas. Thus Ragas are an acoustic method of adapting the self to the mood, time of day, season, etc. This is evolved as a form of meditation where the self is drawn closer to the nature and her mood. Such was the esoteric power of the Ragas in the ancient times, that the composition Raag Malhaar for invocation of rain could indeed bring upon the earth an unexpected shower.

Indian Classical music is of two distinct forms
(a) HINDUSTHANI CLASSICAL MUSIC originating in North India !13th-14th centuries A.D.) and
(b) CARNATIC MUSIC originating in South India.
Both are evolved around Ragas, characterized by an ascent called Arohan and descent called Avarahon.

While HINDUSTHANI CLASSICAL MUSIC has its origins in Vedic philosophy and Hindu traditions, it also bears influences of the Persians and Moghuls, Herein, the rendition begins with an introductory Aalap, ranging from a short (2 minutes) to long piece (30-40 minutes). It speeds up rhythmically, in the Jor, and the percussionist joins in with the introduction of Taala.

However CARNATIC MUSIC Raaga pieces are shorter and faster in tempo. They open with a warm-up rendition called Varnam, followed by seeking of blessings, a series in interchange between Ragams or unmetered melodies and thaalams (or jor), followed by Paalavi or the Raga theme. CARNATIC MUSIC is more theoretic and has a rigid musical structure.

Though vocal-centric, many instruments have been devised to accompany or emulate the vocal performance. Musical instruments used for HINDUSTHANI CLASSICAL MUSIC are Tabla, Taanpura, Sitar, Sarod, Bansuri, Shehnai and Sarangi.
Instruments

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