Music is the soul of any culture, and India has a long history of musical inventiveness. 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. Musical instruments such as the seven-holed flute and Ravanahatha have been discovered at Indus Valley Civilization sites. In this article we will study about Indian music and its different aspects from the perspective of UPSC IAS exam preparation.

History of Indian Music

• The origins 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.
• 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.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link History of Indian Music

Anatomy of Indian Music

There are three main pillars of India classical music - raag, taal and swara.

Swara

• The term "Swara" was originally associated with the recitation of the Vedas.
• Over time, the term has come to refer to a composition's 'note' or 'scale degree.'
• Bharata divided the swaras into twenty-two note scales in the Natyasastra.
• The notational system of Hindustani music is currently defined by these abbreviated swaras: Sa, re, ga, ma, pa, dha, ni.
• Saptak or Sargam is the collective name for the Seven Swaras.

Raga

• The term 'raga' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Ranj,' which literally means to delight, make happy, and satisfy someone.
• The ragas serve as the foundation for the melody, while the tala serves as the foundation for the rhythm.
• Each raga's melodic structure has something in common with the subject's distinct personality and the mood evoked by the sounds.
• The basic element required for the operation of a raga is the note on which it is based.

Tala

• Tala refers to rhythmic beat groupings. The length of these rhythmical cycles ranges from three to 108 beats.
• The musical time is divided into simple and complicated metres according to the tala concept.
• This time measurement theory is not shared by Hindustani and Carnatic music.
• The concept of tala is unique in that it is independent of the music that it is accompanied by and has its own divisions.
• The laya is the tempo of the tala that maintains the uniformity of the time span.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Anatomy of Indian Music

Classification of Indian Music

• Classification of Indian music is based on traditions, cultures, place of origin, socio-economic practices, etc.
• There are numerous types of music prevalent in the Indian subcontinent, each of which falls into a different category.
• Some are more classically inclined, while others are experimenting with global music.
• Recently, there has been a trend to create a fusion of classical heritage with newer musical strands such as pop, jazz, and so on, and this is gaining popularity.

Two distinct schools of Indian classical music emerged over time:

• Hindustani music - It is practised in northern India.
• Carnatic music - It is a type of Indian classical music that is popular in the southern parts of the country.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Classification of Indian Music

Pedagogy of Indian Music

• Music in India has not just been a form of entertainment but is considered the highest form of knowledge.
• Therefore, its divine qualities include certain prerequisites such as guru, vinaya and sadhana, i.e. teacher, humility, and discipline.

• Guru (teacher) - Here there is the transfer of knowledge from the teacher (guru) to the disciple (shishya) in an unbroken tradition (parampara) followed since ancient times.
• Vinaya (humility) - Music is said to be worship that involves both the listener and the artist. Any negative emotions such as arrogance (abhiman) become an impediment
• Sadhnana (discipline) - It emphasizes practice. Divine origins of music require that the student should be prepared to be a receiver of this knowledge.

Moods of Indian Music

• Ancient scriptures describe nine fundamental emotions from which all other emotions can be produced by various combinations.
• Just as all colors can be produced by mixing three primary colors, similarly all emotions are considered to be derived from these basic emotions.
• They are called nava rasa or nine emotions. These include:
  • Hasya - Laughter
  • Bhayanak - Evil shringaar
  • Rudra - Chivalrous
  • Karun - Sadness
  • Veer - Heroic
  • Adbhuta - Wonderment
  • Vibhatsa - Terrifying glory
  • Shanti - Peace
  • Shringaar - Decorating one’s self

Folk Music

• India is a geographically diverse country, and this diversity is reflected in its culture.
• Each state in this country has its own style of music that serves as the foundation for its cultural identity.
• While classical music adheres to the Natyashastra rules and cultivates a guru-shishya (student-mentor) tradition, folk music is the music of the people and has no hard and fast rules.
• They have a variety of themes and are full of musical rhythm. They are also set to beats, allowing them to be dance-oriented.
• There are various types of folk music associated with each state.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Folk Music

Musical Instruments

• Musical instruments are required for the creation of any type of music.
• Depending on the type of instruments included, there are four major traditional categories of musical instruments - Avanadha Vadya, Sushira Vadya, Ghana Vadya and Tata Vadya.
• The musical instruments involved are made from various sources such as wood, bamboo, metal, mud, etc.
• Each of these instruments possess a distinct style and way of playing.
• Most of these instruments trace their origin to gods and goddesses.
• For instance veena, mridangam are associated with Goddess Saraswathi, Lord Krishna, and Nandi.
• This is the reason why musical instruments are even worshiped by musicians.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Musical Instruments

Modern Music

• In music, modernism is defined by a desire for or belief in science, nature, intelligence, anti-romanticism, and other forward-thinking ideas.
• Modern music is also referred to as twentieth-century music. It has been a period of significant change.
• Science, technology, and our growing understanding of the world around us, for example, have inspired people to write music that reflects what they see and how they feel about what they see.
• Art experimented with new forms, techniques, and styles during the Modern period. Composers of music did the same thing.
• They experimented with various methods of producing sound. Rhythmic patterns became much more free, frequently changing throughout a piece.
• Melody's tone was becoming more dissonant, harsher, and was moving in leaps rather than steps. Harmony was becoming more dissonant as well.
• Different types of modern music includes - Jazz, Rock, Pop Music.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Modern Music

Conclusion

Basis of Indian music since its origin has been the seven modes/scales. Indian music is not meant for mere entertainment but is also a moral and spiritual redeemer. Sangeet has been the underlying basis of Indian music and is a combination of three artforms: vocal music, instrumental music and dance. These three artforms were originally derived from a single field of stagecraft however, today these forms have diverged into complex and refined individual artforms. Music was also inspired from nature, seasons, time of the day , moods, etc.

FAQs

Q1: What are the two main forms of Indian classical music?

Q2: What is a raga in Indian classical music?

Q3: Who are some notable exponents of Hindustani and Carnatic music?

Q4: What are the main instruments used in Indian classical music?

Q5: How does Indian classical music differ from Western classical music?

MCQs

1. Which of the following is a key characteristic of Indian classical music?

a) Use of harmony

b) Emphasis on melody and rhythm

c) Use of written compositions

d) Focus on short, structured pieces

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

a) Hindustani music uses written compositions while Carnatic music is improvised.

b) Hindustani music is performed in South India, while Carnatic music is from North India.

c) Hindustani music is popular in North India, while Carnatic music is prevalent in South India.

d) Both are performed in the same style with no notable differences.

3. What is a tala in Indian classical music?

a) A melodic scale

b) A rhythmic cycle

c) A musical instrument

d) A specific genre of music

4. Which of the following is an instrument primarily associated with Carnatic music?

a) Sitar

b) Sarod

c) Veena

d) Shehnai

5. Who among the following is a prominent Hindustani classical musician?

a) M. S. Subbulakshmi

b) Pandit Ravi Shankar

c) T. M. Krishna

d) Lalgudi Jayaraman

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the significance of raga and tala in Indian classical music. How do they contribute to the structure and aesthetics of a musical performance?

Answer: Raga and tala are the foundational elements of Indian classical music, contributing significantly to its structure and aesthetics. A raga is a melodic framework consisting of a specific set of notes, with rules governing how these notes are used to create different moods or emotions. Each raga is associated with particular times of the day, seasons, and emotional expressions. Tala refers to the rhythmic cycle, providing the structure for timing and pace during a performance. Together, raga and tala form the basis of improvisation in Indian classical music, allowing the performer to explore various moods and rhythms while adhering to traditional rules. Their interplay gives Indian classical music its unique and dynamic character.

Q2: Compare and contrast Hindustani and Carnatic music in terms of their historical development, performance styles, and instruments.

Answer: Hindustani and Carnatic music are the two main forms of Indian classical music, each with distinct historical development, performance styles, and instruments. Hindustani music evolved in North India under the influence of Persian and Mughal traditions, incorporating improvisation and a wide range of musical forms like khayal, dhrupad, and thumri. Carnatic music, rooted in South India, remains more traditional and structured, with an emphasis on compositions known as kritis, composed by saint-poets like Tyagaraja. In terms of instruments, Hindustani music often features the sitar, tabla, and sarod, while Carnatic music is known for the veena, mridangam, and violin. Despite their differences, both forms share the foundational elements of raga and tala.

Q3: Analyze the role of Indian classical music in preserving India's cultural heritage and promoting cross-cultural exchanges.

Answer: Indian classical music plays a crucial role in preserving India's rich cultural heritage. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, it reflects the philosophical and spiritual depth of Indian culture. Through the intricate system of ragas and talas, Indian classical music conveys emotions, stories, and values that have been passed down through generations. It also serves as a medium for cross-cultural exchange. Musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Zakir Hussain have brought Indian classical music to global audiences, collaborating with Western musicians and introducing new forms of fusion music. These exchanges have enriched global music and fostered cultural understanding, making Indian classical music a powerful symbol of India’s artistic legacy.

Previous Year Questions on  Indian Music

1. UPSC CSE 2019

Question: Discuss the contribution of Indian classical music to global cultural heritage. How has Indian classical music influenced world music? 

Answer: Indian classical music has made significant contributions to global cultural heritage through its unique system of ragas and talas, improvisational techniques, and spiritual depth. Musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Zakir Hussain, and L. Subramaniam have popularized Indian classical music on the world stage, collaborating with Western musicians and influencing various global music genres. The fusion of Indian classical elements with jazz, rock, and Western classical music has created new forms of expression, enriching the global music landscape. Indian classical music's emphasis on melody, rhythm, and improvisation has inspired composers and performers worldwide, making it an integral part of world music and cultural heritage.

2. UPSC CSE 2018

Question: Examine the importance of raga and tala in the performance of Indian classical music. How do these elements define the structure of a musical composition?

Answer: Raga and tala are the defining elements of Indian classical music, providing the structure and framework for musical compositions and performances. A raga is a melodic framework with a set of notes and rules governing their use, creating specific moods or emotions. Each raga is associated with particular times of the day or seasons, enhancing its emotional impact. Tala, the rhythmic cycle, defines the timing and pace of the composition. Together, raga and tala guide the musician's improvisation, allowing creativity while adhering to traditional rules. These elements make Indian classical music highly dynamic, as each performance can vary based on the musician’s interpretation of the raga and tala, making each rendition unique.

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