Evolution of Hindustani classical Music

[smacademy]

The rich tradition of Hindustani Music has evolved through the centuries and has become a form of ritualistic, folk and cultural expression of the Indian sub-continent. This tradition of music is considered to have evolved in the northern part of India in the 13th and 14th centuries. However, its origins can be traced back to the Samaveda (Saman means melody and Veda means knowledge). The Veda is a collection of hymns and verses or melodies called Samagana that were recited by the priests while worshipping various deities. Hindustani classical music is based upon ragas and taals that are created to reflect different "chakras" (energy centres or moods) of the Kundalini.

Influences on Hindustani Classical Music
The rich tradition of North Indian music was influenced by Persian and Afghanistan music. Sufi composers like Amir Khusru and Tansen had made vital contributions to the growth of the genre. The period of Moghuls (15th and 16th centuries, A.D) is considered to be the golden era of Hindustani Music. During the rule of Moghul emperor Akbar, the Hindustani form of music reached its pinnacle. Mian Tansen, the legendary singer was one of the nine jewels in Akbar's court. It was during this period Hindustani Music embraced many streams of varied musical genres such as Dhrupad,Dhamar and Khayal.

Structure of Hindustani Music
It was Pandit V N Bhatkhande who classified the Ragas into the 10 thaats. Similar to Carnatic Music, this system of music is also based on ragas and taals. The types of vocal traditions in the North India music system include:

Dhrupad: Its an old style of singing and is traditionally performed men.
Khayl: This form of singing is adopted from Persian music and is popularly used to depict intense emotions.
Tarana: They are normally performed at the end of a concert.
Tappa: This vocal style of Hindustani Music is considered to be originated from the folk songs of the camel riders of Punjab. Its believed that Mian Ghulam Nabi Shori, the court singer of Asaf-Ud-Dowlah played a vital role in further developing it into classical music.
Thumri: The types of thumri include poorab ang, Lucknavi and Punjabi thumri.
Ghazal: originally a Persian form of poetry, Gazal is a popular style in Hindustani vocal.
In addition to vocal performances, instrumental forms of expressions are also popular in Hindustani Music. Instruments like veena, sitar and the sarod are widely used in Hindustani Music concerts.

[JudithKohl]

I love classical music and dance a lot. Infact I have also taken training in Classical dancing.


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