History of Indian Music - Art and Culture Notes

The history of Indian music can be traced back to the Sama Veda, which contained the slokas that were set to music. Religious rituals still include the chanting of Vedic hymns with prescribed pitch and accent. It is said that the art of music was introduced to Earth by Narada Muni (sage). He also taught the inhabitants about Naada brahma, the sound that pervades the entire universe. Music has been an inseparable part of Indian culture and tradition. It has served as a form of general entertainment for the masses as well as a spiritual means for god realization. In this article we will study about the history of Indian music, which is important for UPSC IAS exam preparation.

Major Periods in History of Indian Music

• Indian music history can be divided into three major periods: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern.
• The period of Ancient music ranges from the Vedic Age to the period of Sangita Ratnakara, following which the medieval musical system evolved.
• Around the 14th century, it culminated in the division of Indian music into two branches: Hindustani and Carnatic.
• Both of these branches evolved and firmly established themselves.
• Countless musicologists and composers appeared on the scene during this time period, enriching the concepts of Raga, Tala, and musical forms.

Indian Music in Ancient Period

• The Sama Veda is widely regarded as the originator of music among the four Vedas.
• Vedic music began with a single note. Seeking a more appealing and appealing way of reciting, 2 notes were gradually introduced, followed by 3 notes.
• Finally, the scales stabilised with seven basic notes, culminating in the vedic recitals transforming into the fine art of music.
• During yagas and yagnas, vedic hymns were sung and danced around the ritual fire, accompanied by string and percussion instruments.
• Later, playing instruments in a group became known as 'kutapa' (earlier form of orchestra). Raga had not yet emerged as a concept.
• In the south, Ilango Adigal, a famous scholar in the court of Chera Kings, mentions in the silappadi kaaram that the basic musical ideas were developed by the ancient Tamils as early as the first century AD.
• Mahendra Verma (7th century) did Carnatic music a great service by mentioning all contemporary musical facts in Kudumiyamalai inscriptions.
• The Ragas were represented by several 'pans' in ancient Tamil music.
• They were familiar with Sthayi (octave). They were well-versed in srutis and the 12 swara sthanas.
• Karunamrita sagara is another Tamil treatise that discusses many interesting aspects of music.

Indian Music in Medieval Period

• Until the 13th century, India had a unified musical system throughout the country.
• The basic principles were formed by the same fundamentals such as saptaswaras, octave, sruti, and so on.
• Haripala used the terms Hindustani and Karnatak (Carnatic) music for the first time.
• With the advent of Muslim rule in the north, Indian music interacted with the Arabian and Persian musical systems.
• Patronized by Muslim rulers in their royal courts, Indian music expanded to take on new dimensions.
• South India remained relatively undisturbed, with no foreign invasions or upheavals.
• Indian classical music flourished and grew in the ancient traditional manner supported by temples and traditional Hindu Kings.
• As a result, Hindustani and Karnatak music evolved into two distinct musical systems emerging from a single source - Vedas.
• From the seventh century onwards, the country's Bhakti movement produced hundreds of saint singers and religious teachers.
• In the Tamil region, Shaivite and Vaishnavite saints wrote Tevarams and Divya Prabhandas.
• Thousands of simple devotional songs were written by Purandara Dasa, Bhadrachala Ramadasa, Annamacharya, Mira Bai, Surdas, Kabir Das, Tulasidas, Gurunanak, and other saint singers.
• Saint Purandara Dasa, also known as 'Karnataka Sangita Pitamaha,' is regarded as one of the most prominent Haridasa composers.
• Purandardasa reduced the 108 ancient Talas to a system of 35 Talas, which included 7 Suladi Talas and their five vareities (Jatis).
• Raga classifications became clearer, if not specific, during this time period. Raga is the soul of Indian music and India's contribution to world music.
• In his treatise "Swara mela Kalanidhi," Ramamatya (16th century) mentioned 20 melas. This treatise, which serves as a preface to modern Carnatic music, covers nearly 2000 years of development in Indian music.
• Venkatamakhi introduced Chaturdandi Prakasika in the 17th century.
• Composers from the Medieval and Modern periods created a plethora of compositions in newly formed ragas.

Indian Music in Modern India (18th Century) - The Golden Period

• During this time, there was a lot of musical development and activity, both in terms of quality and quantity of musical forms, Ragas, Talas, musical instruments, musical notation system, and so on.
• Many scholarly musical forms, such as well-decorated Kritis, Swarajatis, Varna, Pada, Tillana, Jawali, Ragamalikas, and so on, were composed.
• It is important to note that all of these various types of compositions derived their fundamentals from the ancient prabandhas.
• Only the sections had changed; the musical and lyrical aspects had become more refined and transformed in the newer compositions.
• Music compositions were also protected and preserved in notation, and today's generation is fortunate to have access to all previous invaluable compositions.
• The 18th and 19th centuries were also significant for the Hindustani music system. Under the 'Thaat' system, Pandit Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande systematised the Hindustani Ragas.
• Composition forms such as Khayal, Thumri, and Tarana were used.
• Famous and prominent musicians such as Ustad Alladia Khan, Pt. Omkarnath Thakur, Pt. Vishnu Digambar Paluskar, and Ustad Bade Gulam Alikhan became legends of the twentieth century.
• The famous gharanas of Agra, Gwalior, Jaipur, Kirana, and Lucknow, among others, emerged.
• During the same time period, Western classical music flourished and developed.
• The musical legends Bach, Hayden, and Beethovan, colloquially known as the "Trinity of Western Music," emerged and catapulted western classical music to new heights.

Historical Figures and Their Role in Development of Indian Music

Amir Khusrau

• He was a poet-musician in the court of Sultan Allaudin Khilji (1296-1316).
• He led Persian influence on the Indian music which ultimately led to its bifurcation into Hindustani music of the north and Carnatic music of the south.

Tansen

• He symbolises the development of north Indian music as distinct from the south.
• He was the court musician of Emperor Akbar.
• During the period of Tansen the famous catalogue of musical instruments, Ain–i–Akbari, was compiled by Abul Fazi.
• Various ragas are ascribed to Tansen like Mian ki Malhar, Mian ki Todi and Darbari Kannada.
• Followers of his style belong to the Senia Gharana.

Conclusion

History of Indian music is based on contributions by various Lakshanakaras, the commentators on these Treatises, composers, musicians, and patrons. Indian music transformed from simple Vedic scales to a highly evolved musical art.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following texts contains the earliest references to Indian musical theory?

A. Rig Veda
B. Yajur Veda
C. Sama Veda
D. Atharva Veda

2. What is the primary difference between Hindustani and Carnatic music?

A. Hindustani music uses Western scales, while Carnatic music does not.
B. Hindustani music focuses on improvisation, while Carnatic music follows structured compositions.
C. Hindustani music uses only percussion instruments, while Carnatic music does not.
D. Carnatic music is performed only in temples, while Hindustani music is not.

3. Who among the following is a famous Carnatic musician?

A. Ravi Shankar
B. Thyagaraja
C. Zakir Hussain
D. Bhimsen Joshi

4. Which of the following instruments is commonly associated with Hindustani music?

A. Veena
B. Sitar
C. Mridangam
D. Nadaswaram

5. Which movement or period played a key role in the development of Indian classical music?

A. Bhakti Movement
B. Industrial Revolution
C. Colonial Era
D. Green Revolution

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

1. Discuss the evolution of Indian classical music and its significance in Indian culture.

Answer: The evolution of Indian classical music can be traced back to the Vedic period, with the Sama Veda providing the earliest reference to musical chants. Over centuries, Indian classical music developed into two major traditions: Hindustani in the north and Carnatic in the south. Both traditions share a common foundation but have distinct styles, with Hindustani music focusing on improvisation and Carnatic music emphasizing structured compositions. Indian classical music is not only a form of artistic expression but also deeply intertwined with religious and spiritual practices. It plays a crucial role in Indian culture, providing a sense of identity and continuity. Indian classical music also promotes rasa theory, where each performance aims to evoke specific emotions or moods in the listener. The Bhakti and Sufi movements further enriched Indian classical music by introducing devotional elements, making it more accessible to the masses.

2. Analyze the role of the Bhakti and Sufi movements in shaping Indian music.

Answer: The Bhakti and Sufi movements played a significant role in shaping Indian music by bringing devotional music to the forefront of cultural practices. The Bhakti movement emphasized personal devotion to a deity, which gave rise to musical forms like bhajans and kirtans. Composers such as Tulsidas and Meera Bai created devotional songs that became an essential part of temple music and household worship. The Sufi movement, with its emphasis on mystical love and union with God, introduced qawwalis, a form of devotional music performed at Sufi shrines. Sufi saints like Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and Bulleh Shah used music as a way to connect with the divine, and their compositions are still widely performed today. These movements democratized music, making it more accessible to the common people, and contributed to the blending of Persian and Indian musical elements, particularly in northern India.

3. Explain the influence of Indian classical music on global music traditions.

Answer: Indian classical music has had a profound influence on global music traditions, particularly through the works of musicians like Ravi Shankar and Zakir Hussain. The unique raga system and tala patterns of Indian music have fascinated Western musicians, especially during the 1960s when Indian music became popular in the West. Ravi Shankar’s collaborations with Western artists like George Harrison of the Beatles and his performances at major international festivals introduced Indian classical music to a global audience. Similarly, Zakir Hussain, a master of the tabla, has worked with jazz musicians, creating fusion genres that blend Indian rhythms with Western melodies. Indian music's influence can also be seen in fusion genres that incorporate Indian instruments, such as the sitar and tabla, into jazz, rock, and electronic music. The global appeal of Bollywood music has further expanded the reach of Indian music worldwide.

Previous Year Questions on Indian Classical Music

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019

Question: Which of the following texts provides the earliest reference to Indian musical theory?
A. Natya Shastra
B. Sama Veda
C. Arthashastra
D. Rig Veda

Answer: B

Explanation: The Sama Veda provides the earliest reference to Indian musical theory through its hymns and chants, which were used in religious rituals.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2018 (GS Paper 1)

Question: Discuss the role of the Bhakti and Sufi movements in shaping India’s cultural and musical traditions.

Answer: The Bhakti and Sufi movements played a vital role in shaping India’s cultural and musical traditions by promoting devotional music that transcended social and religious boundaries. The Bhakti movement gave rise to bhajans, devotional songs that were sung in temples and homes, while the Sufi movement popularized qawwalis in dargahs and Sufi gatherings. Both movements emphasized love, devotion, and spiritual unity, using music as a medium to communicate their teachings. Saints like Kabir, Meera, and Guru Nanak contributed significantly to the development of Indian devotional music, making it accessible to the masses and fostering a spirit of inclusivity.