Author : Aarohi Agarwal
India is one of the most diverse countries in the world with various regions and cultures. Based on the traditions, socio-economic practices, and place of origin; the classification of Indian Music takes place. There are numerous prevalent types of Indian music that have garnered attention across the globe. The rich diversity in musical forms and practices have given birth to many new styles while old styles are still inspiring.
There are some genres inclined towards classical music and gharanas while contemporary styles are emerging with fusion and drawing attention from the western world. As a result, there are subgenres of pop, hip-hop, jazz, and indie experiments taking place in Indian Music. Let’s take a better look at the classification to have a better view.
Classification of Indian Music
While there are numerous genres, Indian Music is mainly categorized into three sections namely, Classical Music, Folk Music, and Modern Music.
- Classical Music
Classical music in India distinctively follows two schools such as,
- Hindustani Music – This is the school of music that is mainly followed in the Northern part of India
- Carnatic Music – It is the type of Classical music mainly practiced in the southern part of India
Characteristics of Hindustani Music
- This school of music is quite focused on the musical structure and the constant scope of improvisation
- The foundation of Hindustani music is based on the Octave of Natural Notes, also known as the ‘Shudha Swara Saptaka scale’.
- There are a total of ten different singing styles in this music such as, ‘Thumri’, ‘Dhrpad’, ‘Dhamar’, ‘Khayal’, ‘ Hori’, ‘Tappa’, ‘Ragasagar’, ‘Chaturang, ‘Sargam’ and lastly ‘Tarana’.
Other than the traditional style, there is also a semi-classical style of Hindustani Music.
- It also includes the heavy use of ‘Swara’ or notes. However, it slightly differs since it focuses on the lighter version of ragas such as MalKaush or Bhoopali.
- Lighter versions of Tala and Madhyam are used that help to produce a faster tempo
- Rather than alap-jod-tan-jhala, semi-classical music more oriented in lyrical approach or Bhava
- Ghazal, Thumri, Tappa, etc can be considered as some of the semi-classical styles
Characteristics of Carnatic Music
- The Carnatic school of musical compositions is based on the traditional octave style
- It is also considered as the ‘Kriti’ based music that focuses on the lyrical and literary quality or ‘Saahitya’ of the musical creation
- The Kriti is focused on the Tala and Raga or the rhythmic cycle of music
- Usually, Carnatic Music is composed of several parts namely, Anu Pallavi, Pallavi, Ragamalika, and Varnam.
Though there are many differences between these two schools of classical music, it is also the ancient foundation of Indian music culture.
- Folk Music
As India is quite geographically diverse, the diversity has affected the culture and music as well. Each state and region has its own style of music that reflects its cultural identity. It is known as folk music.
Characteristics of Folk Music
- Unlike classical music, folk music does not consist of any strict rules. It is more like the music of the mass people without cultivating a traditional Gharana or ‘Guru-Shishya’ relationship between the students and the mentors.
- The songs are oriented with a variety of rhythms and beats to make them danceable.
- There are various types of folk music and musical communities all around India such as Bauls and Karta Bajas in West Bengal, Muria Tribes and Kamar Community in Madhya Pradesh, Bhopa, Jogi and Manganiar in Rajasthan, Baghela in Madhya Pradesh, Idu Mishmi Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh and the list goes on.
Folk music is quite versatile and it has taken part in musical evolution as well. Therefore, classical music and folk music have converged over time and offered more musical styles. Devotional music is one of the greatest examples that provide a combination of both genres. Here are some examples of fusion between classical music and folk music.
- Rabindra Sangeet – Rabindranath Tagore has written around 2,500 songs that incorporate various elements of classical music, folk music, and devotional music along with an intriguing poetic approach. Though the songs are available in various languages, the Bengali songs are what gained the most attention. The National Anthem of India and Bangladesh are written by Tagore as well. There are numerous music artists in India and Bangladesh who build their musical careers based on Rabindra Sangeet. His compositions also resonate with the mass listeners.
- Sugam Sangeet (such as Qawwali, Bhajan, Shabad) – It is the traditional form of Islamic song that reflects both spirituality and culture. It is mainly practiced in Northern India and is closely linked with Sufi music. Harmonium, dholak, and tabla are heavily used in the compositions.
- Gana Sangeet – ‘Gana’ is referred to the mass people and the songs which are based on the mass are known as the Gana Sangeet that embraces the life of the common through songs.
- Haveli Sangeet – It is one of the essential parts of ‘Dhrupad’ that too birth from Braj. It is a blend of classical and devotional music which is practiced in the Haveli or Palaces and temples as well.
Other than these, there are many other fusion genres that offer a different taste of folk.
- Modern Music
The musical era in India changed much in the twentieth century as well as the twenty-first century. In this period of change, people started cultivating new ideas in science, intelligence, nature, anti-romanticism, and many others that broke the stereotype. The development of technology and thought processes allowed music artists to come up with something new and unique. Bollywood music is one of the greatest examples of modern music.
Characteristics of Modern Music
- There are no strict rules to crafting a modern track. Experimenting with different methods and styles is the key here.
- Frequently changing rhythmic patterns and dissonant harmony
- Ample influence of western musical styles such as pop, jazz, rock as well as indie records
The field of Indian Music is quite vast and it is constantly evolving. It also represents the local traditions and cultures of a nation. India is quite religious and secular in nature it has spread its influence in the global music industry as well.
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