Indian Music

If the names of world’s oldest music are short listed then the name of India would come on the top. According to the experts, the Indian music is as old as the Vedas. The oldest form of music is known as ‘Sama’, which was developed in the Vedic period and stretched from 1500 to 500 BC. Till the 13th century there was mainly one form of music. But, with the commencement of Mughal Empire drastic changes had occurred in the music of India and several new dimensions had added into it.

Indian music is based on the combination of vocal music and instrumental music, which is performed along with dance. The perfect combination of these three is known as ‘Sangeet’.

A brief history and classifications

Indian music, which is popularly known as ‘Hindustani music’ is categorized into two forms, Carnatic music and Hindustani music. Hindustani classical music is primarily influenced by ancient Hindu music tradition, Vedic philosophy and Persian performances practiced by the Mughal. In the contemporary times, classical music is performed in other countries like, Bangladesh and Pakistan. On the other side, the Carnatic music has a history back to 15th - 16th century AD. This type of music is completely melodic and primarily emphasized on the vocal music. Carnatic music, like classical music, has two basic elements, ‘raga’ - the melodic formulae and ‘tala’ - the rhythmic cycles.

Indian Folk Music
Apart from the classical music and Carnatic music, there is a remarkable position of folk music in India.
Baul: Among all the folk music, ‘Baul’ has the oldest history of Indian folk culture. Bauls (the performers of Baul) use to perform along with musical instruments like khamak, ektara and dotara.

Dandiya: This dance-oriented folk music is originated from the traditional Indian folk dance. In the present times, it is also adopted in the Indian pop music.

Bhangra: This lively form of music is the folk culture of Punjab and primarily performed to celebrate one of the major festivals of Sikhs, Vaisakhi. Now, Bhangra has become worldwide popular and has a fusion with other forms of music like, hip-hop, reggae and pop.

Qawwali: This is a sufi form of folk music which is performed by several chorus singer along with the musical instruments like, tabla, dholok and harmonium.

New age Indian music

With the passage of time, along with all other elements, the Indian music is also changing, upgrading and transforming. In this contemporary time, the tastes of people are different which were in the times of 100 years back. To meet the modern parameter, modern music performers create music and Indi-Pop music is one of its results.
Indi-Pop music is based on a combination of Indian classical music and folk music. Beyond the boundary of India, it is also performed in Pakistan and popularity of this music is spreading in the western countries as well.