Today I want to discuss a very interesting topic ,it is about ‘Indian classical Music’, which is India’s heritage and pride. Indian classical music is the classical music of Indian subcontinent. it is basically divided into 2 parts ,in north India it is called as Hindustani music while in south India , it is called Carnatic music.

Indian classical music has 2 components Raga and Tala. raga is based on ‘Swara‘ while the tala is based on time cycles. Indian classical music has been adopted historically with many regional styles and places. Indian classical music is considered to be 6000 years ago where people developed a combination of musical notes with rhythm. Indian classical music is very closely connected to nature, beauty and surroundings. There are different – different ragas for different moods and seasons.for example , there is a raga called ‘Malhar’,which is said to be sung during rainy season.

Hindustani music

it is believed that Indian subcontinent music was integrated until political turmoil of Delhi sultanates era came, than it was divided into 2 parts 1. Hindustani music 2. Carnatic music.

it is believed that Hindustani music was started in 14th century. it was at its peak during Akbar period, during that time Tansen studied Hindustani music and made many innovations in it. he is also considered as founder of Hindustani music. Hindustani music is mainly found in North India, Pakistan and Afghanistan . It has different forms like khyal, tarana thumri etc. There is a huge list of Ragas in Hindustani music.

Carnatic music

Puranadara Dasa is considered as grandfather of Carnatic music. He was a devotee of lord Krishna. Due to his efforts, Carnatic music was introduced.it is said that Carnatic music is more rhythmically intensive and structured than Hindustani music. Carnatic music are little bit fast and shorter than Hindustani music.

What makes Indian classical music different from other music

in this we will discuss that how classical music is different from other forms of music like Bollywood Music.It is all about history ,its context and purpose. classical music is studied and developed in a very disciplined way .and it is more professional and difficult to learn.it is also considered as a type of meditation.

nowadays very less people know about classical music, about its history ,origin and other things. We all are attracted by western Music because it has that an entertainment flavour in it. But classical music is not for entertainment or any other thing, it gives mental peace to the listener who understands its beauty. In fact in Bollywood music , classical music plays a huge role many songs that we like are sung with the help of ragas especially sad or romantic songs.

instruments used in classical music

There are many instruments that are used in classical music, some of them are:-

1.Sitar:-it is a very important instrument in Hindustani music. it is a plucked stringed instrument that was originated in 16th or 17th century in Indian subcontinent.

2.Tabla:-it is a pair of drums used in indian classical music. it is used in Indian subcontinent .

3.Mridangam:- this instrument is used in Carnatic music. it is called Pakhawaj in Dhrupad.

4. Flute:-it is a Woodwind instrument which produces a very pleasing sound ,from a flow of air across an opening.it is very important instrument in classical music.