india's music essay

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Essay on “Indian Music is as Diverse as Its Culture ” Complete Essay for Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation and other classes.

Indian Music is as Diverse as Its Culture 

Just as there is no such language as Indian, but instead many hundreds of languages, with over a dozen considered major, so there is no single entity as Indian music. The range of musical styles and traditions in the subcontinent of South Asia, which comprises modern India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri – Lanka, is in proportion to the vastness of the geographical area and the density of population. This is most obviously the case with folk and tribal music. Given that India is predominantly rural, it could be claimed that such categories of music are those of the majority. The music of India is one of the oldest unspoken musical traditions in the world. The basis of Indian music is “sangeet.

Sangeet is a combination of two art forms: vocal music, instrumental music (Indian music). Indian music is based on the seven letter’s Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha and Ni. These seven letters are mathematically improvised to make thousands of tunes named Rages and cyclic rhythmic patterns known as Tales. The vocal tradition is especially strong in Indian music. It is understood that the song is probably the most ancient form of music. Vocal music occupies a considerable part of Natya Shastra (Indian music). The Sama veda is the oldest musical text in India. Most of the classical songs of north India are devotional in nature, but there are few genres, which are especially oriented toward religion. Most notable is the bhajan, dhun or kirtan for Hindus, the qawali for Muslims, and the shabad for Sikhs (Indian music). Not all the music is serious for, there are also many popular genres. The gazal is one style, which is known for it rich poetic, and romantic content. The Hindi gees which is basically just a song and undoubtedly the most popular is the film song (Indian music). Over the years they have become formalised into four major instrumental styles known as: alap, jor, gat and jhala (India, dance and music). The alap is a slow rhythm less elaboration upon the rag. The jor is a section that has rhythm but no developed rhythmic cycle (i.e., tal). The gat is the fully developed piece, while the jhala is a fast rhythmic interplay between the drone strings and the main playing strings (Indian music). The rag is the most important concept that any student of Indian music should understand. The Hindi/Urdu word “rag” is derived from the Sanskrit “raga” which means “colour or passion” (Indian music). It is linked to the Sanskrit word “ranj” which means, “to colour” (Indian music). There is also the jati. Jati is the number of notes used in the rag. There must also be the ascending and descending structure. This is called arohana/avarohana. Another characteristic is that the various notes do not have the same level of significance. Some are important and others less so. The important notes are called vadi and Sama vadi (Indian music). There are often characteristic movements to the rag. This is called either pakad (Indian music).

The Indian rhythm is known as tal. Tal means “clap”. The tabla (Indian drum instrument) has replaced the clap in the performance, but the term still reflects the origin. The basic concepts of tal are tali, khali, vibhag, matra, bol, theka, lay, sam, and avartan. There are many instruments in India. There is a traditional system for the classification of instruments. This system is based upon; non-membranous percussion (ghan), membranous percussion(avandhah), wind blow(sushir), plucked string (tat), blowed string (vitat) (Indian music). Some of the most famous Indian instruments are sitar and tabla. Sitar is perhaps the most well known of the Indian instruments. Artists such as Ravi Shankar have popularized this instrument around the world. Sitar is a long necked instrument with an interesting construction. Undoubtedly the most striking characteristic of the tabla is the large black spot on each of the playing surfaces. These black spots are a mixture of gum, soot, and iron filings. Their function is to create the bell-like timbre that is characteristic of the instrument.

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Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History Essays

Musical instruments of the indian subcontinent.

A Lady Playing the Tanpura

Tanjore Tāmbūra (male)

Taūs (mayuri)

Pandharpuri Tambura

Ghanti (bell)

Murari Adhikari

Allen Roda Independent Scholar

The music of the Indian subcontinent is usually divided into two major traditions of classical music: Hindustani music of North India and Karnatak music of South India, although many regions of India also have their own musical traditions that are independent of these.

Both Hindustani and Karnatak music use the system of ragas—sets of pitches and small motives for melody construction—and tala for rhythm. Ragas form a set of rules and patterns around which a musician can create his or her unique performance. Likewise, tala is a system of rhythmic structures based on the combination of stressed and unstressed beats. Within these rhythmic structures, musicians ( 1996.100.1 ) can create their own rhythmic patterns building off the compositional styles of others.

One of the main differences between North Indian and South Indian music is the increased influence of Persian music and musical instruments in the north. From the late twelfth century through the rise of British occupation , North India was under the control of a Muslim minority that was never able to extend its sphere of influence to South India. During this time, the music of North India began to acquire and adapt to the presence of Persian language, music, and musical instruments, such as the setar, from which the sitar got its name; the kamanche ( 1998.72 ) and santur, which became popular in Kashmir; and the rabab (alternately known as rebab and rubab), which preceded the sarod. New instruments were introduced, including the tabla and sitar ( 1999.399 ), which soon became the most famous Indian musical instruments worldwide. Legend has it that the tabla was formed by splitting a pakhavaj drum in half, with the larger side becoming the bayan and the smaller side the dahini. The barrel-shaped pakhavaj drum, which was the ancestor of both the tabla and the mrdangam, has been depicted in countless paintings and prints. New genres of music were formed as well, such as khyal and qawwali , that combine elements of both Hindu and Muslim musical practice.

Hindustani classical music is known largely for its instrumentalists, while Karnatak classical music is renowned for its virtuosic singing practices. Instruments most commonly used in Hindustani classical music are the sitar, sarod, tambura, sahnai, sarangi, and tabla; while instruments commonly used in Karnatak classical music include the vina, mrdangam, kanjira, and violin . The use of bamboo flutes, such as the murali, is common to both traditions as well as many other genres of Indian music. In fact, many of these instruments are often used in both North and South India, and there are many clear relationships between the instruments of both regions. Furthermore, often instruments that are slightly different in construction will be identified by the same name in both the south and the north, though they might be used differently.

Throughout its history, the peoples of India have developed numerous systems for classifying musical instruments, many of which were based on morphological characteristics. The ancient Hindu system divided instruments into four categories: stretched (strings; 2008.141.2a,b ), covered (drums; 89.4.165 ), hollow (wind; 1986.12 ), and solid (bells; 89.4.154 ). This system is widely known to be the inspiration for the Western system of instrument classification put forth by Mahillon in 1880, which renames these groups—chordophones, membranophones, aerophones, and idiophones—basing the distinction on the way in which sound is created and not exclusively on construction.

A note on spelling : All terms used for Indian musical instruments and musical concepts are common transliterations of the original terms. Subsequently, there are numerous possible methods of rendering the same term in English and inevitable discrepancies in spelling. The spellings adopted here are the ones used by The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (2001).

Kanjira (Khanjari) The kanjira is a frame drum of South India. It consists of a skin (usually iguana) stretched and pasted on a circular wooden frame. There are often three or four slots in the side of the frame, in which bell-metal jingle-disks are suspended from metal crossbars. The name kanjira is related to the khanjari and kanjani of North and East India and Nepal. The kanjira is tuned to various pitches by wetting the skin. It is held at the bottom of the frame by the left hand, which also varies the tension of the skin, and is beaten with the fingers of the right hand.

Kamanche The kamanche is one of the world’s earliest known bowed instruments. It has been altered and changed as it has traveled to other parts of the world ( 1998.72 ). Some argue that the kamanche is the predecessor of many other stringed instruments such as the rabab, the sarangi, and the Chinese erhu.

Mrdangam The mrdangam is an elongated barrel-shaped drum found predominantly in South India ( 1986.467.18 ). It is derived from the pakhavaj and is used as the primary rhythmic accompaniment in Karnatak music as well as in religious Kirtan music. In the east (Bengal, Odisha), this barrel-shaped drum is known as the khol.

Murali The murali is a transverse flute made of bamboo. It is used in a variety of musical genres and is often associated with the Hindu deity Krishna.

Pakhavaj The pakhavaj is a barrel-shaped drum with two heads, each of which contains tuning paste, or siyahi . The history of the pakhavaj is unknown, yet as the predecessor of both the Hindustani tabla drums and the mrdangam of Karnatak music, it served as the primary accompaniment for much of Indian classical music. It appears in the musical iconography of Hindu religious painting and in the artworks of the royal Muslim courts of the Mughal empire.

Rabab The rabab is a stringed instrument with a skin-covered resonator that can be bowed or plucked depending on performance tradition. It is found in various forms throughout North Africa, the Near East, South Asia, and Central Asia. Similar to the way the setar and the vina were adapted to eventually become what is known today as the sitar, the rabab was adapted to become the sarod. However, there are many musicians in India today who still play the rabab, and it is quite popular in several music genres.

Sahnai (Shenai) The sahnai is a double reed instrument of North India and Nepal. In South India, a double reed instrument called the nagasvaram is used. Both instruments have seven equidistant fingerholes and no thumbhole. Frequently, the instrument’s flared open end is made of metal while its body is made of wood or bamboo; however, they are not exclusively made in this fashion.

Sarangi A sarangi is a bowed stringed instrument with a skin-covered resonator ( 89.4.200 ). The typical sarangi is made by hand, usually from a single block of tun wood about 66 to 69 centimeters long ( 46.34.43 ). The three playing strings are made of goat gut, and the sympathetic strings (usually as many as thirty-six, though the number varies) of brass and/or steel. However, the design of sarangis varies from region to region ( 1982.143.2 ). For example, the Nepalese sarangi is generally much smaller than its Indian counterpart, and not all sarangis have sympathetic strings.

Sarod The sarod is a relatively new instrument to South Asia, having been around for less than 200 years. The sarod is a plucked stringed instrument with a skin-covered resonator and sympathetic strings. Like the sitar, it is primarily used in Hindustani music and is accompanied by the tabla.

Setar The word setar means “three strings.” Other instruments in this family include the two-stringed dutar and the single-stringed ektar. As Indian musicians adopted the setar, they added more and more strings. Early sitars, which evolved from the setar, have six strings, while more contemporary ones include six playing strings and thirteen sympathetic strings. A Persian setar in the Museum’s collection is a miniature that was made primarily for the purpose of decoration. Many such instruments exist in India.

Sitar The sitar is easily India’s most famous musical instrument overseas, having been popularized in the West by George Harrison of the Beatles, who studied with Ravi Shankar, one of the greatest sitarists of the twentieth century. The sitar has its roots in both the Persian setar as well as in the vina. Like many stringed instruments used in classical Indian music, the modern sitar ( 1999.399 ) has sympathetic strings that sound only when one of the primary strings is struck on the same note. These strings, which are never played by the performer, resound in sympathy with the playing strings, creating a polyphonic timber that many have come to associate with India through the popularity of this instrument. It is interesting to note, however, that the addition of the sympathetic strings is a relatively recent development in Indian music starting in the late nineteenth century ( 89.4.1586 ). The use of sympathetic strings is known to have existed in other parts of the world prior to their initial use in India.

Tabla The tabla is actually two drums played by the same performer. Both drums have compound skins onto which a tuning paste, or siyahi , is added to help generate the wide variety of tones these drums can produce. The bayan is the larger of the two drums and is generally made of metal or pottery. The siyahi on the bayan is off-center, which allows the performer to add variable pressure on the skin, changing the pitch of the instrument with the palm of his or her hand while striking it with the fingertips. The smaller drum is called the dahini, or sometimes referred to as the tabla. Dahini are usually made of heavy lathe-turned rosewood and provide much higher pitch sounds than does the bayan.

Tambura The tambura is a long, stringed instrument made of light hollow wood, with either a wooden or a gourd resonator. It is typically used in accompaniment with other instruments, providing a drone pitch. Some of the tamburas in the Museum’s collection are not full-sized instruments, but rather miniatures created for their aesthetic appearance. The artistic craftsmanship on the inlay in these objects is beautiful. India has a long history of creating musical instruments as decorative objects, and that tradition is represented in the Museum’s collection.

Vina Along with the pakhavaj, the vina is one of the most commonly depicted instruments in Indian iconography. The vina has taken many forms in both South and North India. In North India, it was called the bin or the rudravina, and was the predecessor of the sitar. It was often built of two large gourd resonators connected by a piece of bamboo, with frets held on with wax. Most of the vinas depicted in iconography are rudravinas. In the South, the vina—or saraswati vina—continues to be the most popular stringed instrument in classical music. In its basic shape, the vina is a hollow wooden stringed instrument with two gourd resonators (though there can often be more than two or sometimes only one gourd resonator). The gottuvadyam, or chitravina, is another important instrument in Karnatak music. Unlike the rudravina and the saraswati vina, the gottuvadyam has no frets and is played with a slide using a method similar to that of the Hawaiian slide guitar .

Roda, Allen. “Musical Instruments of the Indian Subcontinent.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/indi/hd_indi.htm (March 2009)

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Indian Music

Music has always been an important part of Indian life. The range of musical phenomenon in India extends from simple melodies to what is one of the most well- developed "systems" of classical music in the world. There are references to various string and wind instruments, as well as several kinds of drums and cymbals, in the Vedas. Some date the advent of the system of classical Indian music to Amir Khusro. Muslim rulers and noblemen freely extended their patronage to music. In the courts of the Mughal emperors, music is said to have flourished, and the Tansen was one of the jewels of Akbar's court. 

The great poet-saints who chose to communicate in the vernacular tongues brought forth a great upheaval in north India and the Bhakti or devotional movements they led gained many adherents. The lyrics of Surdas, Tulsidas, and most particularly Kabir and Mirabai continue to be immensely popular. By the sixteenth century, the division between North Indian (Hindustani) and South Indian (Carnatic) music was also being more sharply delineated. Classical music, both Hindustani and Carnatic, may be either instrumental or vocal.

Hindustani Gharanas

There is a rich tradition of Gharanas in classical Hindustani music. The music Gharanas are also called styles. These schools or Gharanas have their basis in the traditional mode of musical training and education. Every Gharana has its own distinct features.

Hindustani School

Hindustani classical music is an Indian classical music tradition. It originated in North India around 13th and 14th centuries. In contrast to Carnatic music, the other main Indian classical music tradition from South India, the Hindustani classical music was not only influenced by ancient Hindu musical traditions and Vedic philosophy but also by the Persian elements.

Music Glossary

Achal Swaras are the fixed swaras of the seven musical notes. Sa and Pa are the achal swaras of the Indian classical music. The term Arohi, also known as Arohana and Aroh, is used to define the ascending melody in music. 

Indian Music Instruments

Sitar is of the most popular music instruments of North India. The Sitar has a long neck with twenty metal frets and six to seven main cords. Below the frets of Sitar are thirteen sympathetic strings which are tuned to the notes of the Raga. A gourd, which acts as a resonator for the strings is at the lower end of the neck of the Sitar. 

Carnatic Music

Carnatic music or Carnatic sangeet is the south Indian classical music. Carnatic music has a rich history and tradition and is one of the gems of world music. Carnatic Sangeet has developed in the south Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Indian Film Music

One of the most popular Indian music forms is the Filmi music. Hindi film industry, popularly known as Bollywood, along with Indian regional film industries, produces thousands of films a year, most of which are musicals and feature elaborate song and dance numbers.

Indian Fusion Music

Fusion is not a very old trend in Indian music. Fusion trend is said to have begun with Ali Akbar Khan's 1955 performance in the United States. Indian fusion music came into being with rock and roll fusions with Indian music in the 1960s and 1970s.

Ghazal is a common and popular form of music in Indian and Pakistan. Strictly speaking, it is not a musical form at all but a poetic recitation. However, today it is commonly conceived of as an Urdu song whose prime importance is given to the lyrics. Ghazal traces its roots in classical Arabic poetry. 

India is a land of cultural diversities. Every region in India has its own form of folk music. This rich tradition of folk music is very much alive in not just rural India, but also in some metros. Though one may say that music has acquired a totally different definition with the arrival of pop culture and new age cinema, there are many who would beg to differ. 

Shayari or rhyming poetry basically comprises of a couplet known as Sher. This is the way that this unique and beautiful form of poetry derives the name Sher O Shayari. Most of the forms of Shayari are found in the Urdu language. However, one may find Shero Shayari in Hindi, Punjabi, etc. 

Ustad Bismillah Khan

Ustad Bismillah Khan was undoubtedly a gem that India is proud of. This Shehnai maestro of India was a Bharat Ratna awardee and also has been awarded all the top four civilian awards namely Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan along with the Bharat Ratna.

Pandit Shivkumar Sharma

Pandit Shivkumar Sharma is a very famous classical musician who has acquired international fame by playing the classical instrument, Santoor. The Santoor is a trapezoid-shaped hammered dulcimer often made of walnut wood and has 72 strings, which are struck with two delicate carved wooden mallets.

Ustad Zakir Hussain

Popularly known as Tabla Maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain is the son of the renowned tabla player Ustad Allah Rakha. He was born on 9th March, 1951 and showed much interest in tabla since a very young age. This child prodigy started touring by the time he was twelve and started to perform at concerts and gain much recognition and fame.

Pandit Ravi Shankar

Pandit Ravi Shankar is a living legend who is a genius Sitar player. Born on 7th April, 1920 in Banaras, his family was a Bengali Brahmin family who named him Ravindra Shankar. Shyam Shankar, his father, was a barrister. He had an elder brother Uday Shankar who was a famous Indian classical dancer.

Indian Classical Singers

The art of classical singing is being practiced in the Indian subcontinent since ages. The art is popular, not as a form of entertainment, but as a means of connecting with the Divine Being. Infact, it is considered as one of the basic ways through which a human being can connect with God. The distinct forms of melodies sung by classical singers are known as 'Ragas'. Some of these Ragas are said to have a divine quality in them, which helps an individual in meditating. In this section, we have provided a brief biography of the famous classical singers of India. 

Indian Singers

Indian subcontinent is home to some of the best talents in every field, be it music, singing, painting, acting, and so on. These famous personalities have made the country proud at not only the national, but also international level. They have taken the rich art and culture of India beyond geographical boundaries. Special mention needs to be given in case of Indian singers, who have made Indian music famous throughout the world. Their soothing voice and poignant performance has stirred many hearts. This section gives a list of popular singers of India.

Musical Instruments of India

Indian music experience museum.

Ravi Shankar's Tanpura Indian Music Experience Museum

The abundance of musical instruments in Indian music is testament to its creative diversity. The Indian Music Experience Museum has over a hundred musical instruments in its collection. A selection of these from Indian classical and folk music is presented here.

Musical Instruments Classification System Indian Music Experience Museum

Classification of Musical Instruments Over 2000 years ago, Bharata, in the Natya Shastra, classified instruments as tata (stringed instrument), sushira (wind instrument), avanaddha (percussion instrument) or ghana (solid instrument). Every one of the myriad instruments invented since then fits into one of these four timeless categories.

Mysore Veena Indian Music Experience Museum

STRINGED INSTRUMENTS

Stringed instruments or Chordophones are musical instruments that produce sound when the strings are vibrated. 

Rudra Veena Indian Music Experience Museum

Rudra Veena The Rudra Veena, also called Been, is a melodic instrument of Indian origin, associated with Dhrupad sub-genre of Hindustani classical music. It evolved in the 12th /13th centuries from an older string instrument called the Laghu Kinnari Veena. For almost 400 years, it dominated Hindustani music as an accompaniment to vocal music, as well as in solo performances. The instrument now retains a small presence in Hindustani music, and enjoys a relatively larger following in Europe.

Thumba The Rudra Veena has two large resonators made of hollow gourds, attached to the long tubular body of the instrument. The beautiful carvings on the resonators make it look grand and elegant.

Sarangi Indian Music Experience Museum

Sarangi The Sarangi is an instrument of Indian origin, with folk variants widely performed in several parts of India and Pakistan. The Sarangi family is valued for its closeness to the human voice, and hence has been primarily an accompanist to vocal music. The Sarangi entered classical music around the 17th century, and soon became a standard accompanist to Khayal and semi-classical genres of vocal music. From the 19th century, it began losing its accompanist role to the Harmonium. By the middle of the 20th century, it reclaimed its importance as a solo instrument, and acquired an enthusiastic international following.

Taus Indian Music Experience Museum

Taus The Taus is a peacock-shaped bowed instrument from Punjab. This instrument, also called Mayuri Veena , gets its name from the Persian word for peacock. It is said that the instrument was a creation of the 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, who wrote poetry in Persian language and therefore named the instrument in the same language. It is known for its deep, mellow sound. The body of the instrument is made of rosewood and has a wooden resonator and shaft made separately and later joined together. The Taus is used as an accompaniment for Sikh devotional music, Shabad-Kirtan, where the verses from the holy book of the Sikhs Guru Granth Sahib, are sung.

RawanHattha Indian Music Experience Museum

Ravanhatha The Ravanhatha, an ancient melodic bowed string instrument of the Thori and Nayak Bhopas from Rajasthan, is one the earliest instruments played with a bow and is also credited as a precursor to the violin. The Ravanhatha has two main strings and a variable number of supporting strings, with a body of bamboo. The bow has bells attached to it. Legend has it that King Ravan created this instrument.

Gotuvadya Indian Music Experience Museum

Gotuvadyam The Gotuvadyam, also known as Chitravina, is a twenty-one stringed fretless instrument, used in Karnatik music. Sakha Rama Rao, a Karnatik musician who lived between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, redesigned the ancient Chitravina instrument as a fretless Veena with its set of seven strings. He coined the term Gotuvadyam , which means an instrument played with a slide. The instrument, predominently made of jackwood, has six melody strings, three secondary drone strings and eleven or twelve sympathetic strings that run parallel to and below the melody strings.

Cylindrical Slide A cylindrical slide made of ebony wood or bison horn is held in the left hand, which is glided over the main strings. It is played by plucking the melody strings. Drone strings are activated using the little finger.

Pena Indian Music Experience Museum

Pena The Pena is a string instrument from Manipur which has a parched coconut shell belly. This stringed instrument can be played either while standing or seated, or while dancing. The Pena is an integral part of all the religious festivals of Manipur like the Lai Haraoba festival, which is a ritualistic festival of the Meiteis, an ethnic group native to the state of Manipur. A Pena artiste was considered a healer of ailments and therefore, accompanied the kings who went on voyages. Pena is commonly used in folk theatre music, traditional music and dance forms.

Bow The Pena consists of a bow with an arched iron rod that has jingle bells and bamboo handle attached, which provides rhythmic accompaniment.

Zakir Hussain's Tabla Indian Music Experience Museum

PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS

Percussion instruments or Membranophones produce rhythmic melody when one or both faces of the instrument are struck.

Hudak Indian Music Experience Museum

Hudak The Hudak and Udkka, as referred to generally, is a two-headed percussion instrument from Himachal Pradesh. Varied tones can be brought out by pressing or releasing the strings, which are tied between the two sides. This small drum is held in the armpit while playing it. Made of wood in an hourglass shape, it is covered by goat skin on both sides.

Chenda Indian Music Experience Museum

Chenda The Chenda is a cylindrical percussion instrument used widely in Kerala, Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. In the ancient times, the Chenda was used to make important announcements by the officials of the king and also for war declaration. This instrument is a cylindrical wooden drum with both ends covered with animal skin. It is suspended from the drummer’s neck and struck with two sticks. The body of the instrument is made of wood from jackfruit tree. The Chenda is used as an accompaniment for Kathakali, Yakshagana and Koodiyattam dance-theatre forms.

Mizau Indian Music Experience Museum

Mizhavu The Mizhavu or Mizhav is a percussion instrument from Kerala. This is a big copper drum, with the mouth of the instrument covered by skin. This instrument is primarily played by the Ambalavasi Nambiar community. The Mizhavu is used to accompany ritualistic temple performances of Koodiyattam and Koothu.

Mridanga Indian Music Experience Museum

Mridangam The Mridangam, a percussion instrument from South India, is an indispensable rhythmic accompaniment in Karnatik classical music concerts. The tani avartanam, played by a mridangam artiste along with other percussionists, is the highlight of a Karnatik concert. This instrument is placed horizontally on the lap of the artist. The two heads of the mridangam are connected by leather straps. When the straps are tightened, the pitch or shruti of the instrument increases, and when loosened, decreases the pitch.

Thavil Indian Music Experience Museum

Thavil The Thavil is a barrel-shaped percussion instrument, and is commonly used in folk music as well as in classical music with Nagaswaram in an ensemble known as 'Periya Melam' (big ensemble). The body of the Thavil is made of jack wood. The right head is played by the right hand, wrist and fingers and the left head is struck with a stick held in the left hand. The instrument is hung using a strap from the shoulder of the player when played in open air performances. Usually the player wears thumb caps on the fingers of his right hand.

Nagphani Indian Music Experience Museum

WIND INSTRUMENTS

Wind instruments or Aerophones produce a melodic sound when air is blown through the mouthpiece at one end of the instrument.

Algoza Indian Music Experience Museum

Algoza The Algoja or Algoza is a wind instrument which is widely used in Rajasthani folk, Baloch and Punjabi music. This instrument consists of two joined beak flutes, made of bamboo. One flute plays the melody and the other plays drone simultaneously. This instrument is mostly used by the Bhil and Kalbelia tribal communities. The instrument can be tuned to any scale using beeswax.

Pungi Indian Music Experience Museum

Pungi The Pungi, also called Tumbi or Nagasar, is a wind instrument, widely used by snake charmers in India and Pakistan for religious ceremonies. This instrument, made of a small gourd, and with a length of one to two feet, consists of two reeds or bamboo tubes, one for melody and other for drone. The Pungi was initially designed as an accompaniment to folk music in India. There are no pauses when the Pungi is played because of the technique of circular breathing employed while playing this instrument. Thus the Pungi creates a trance like sound.

Nagaswara Indian Music Experience Museum

Nagaswaram The Nagaswaram is an ancient South Indian wind instrument. It is accorded a high status as a "Mangala Vadya" (auspicious instrument) and plays an important role in South Indian temple rituals. It is made of black wood of a tree known as Aacha. The instrument has seven playing holes and five auxillary ones. The instrument ensemble with the Nagaswaram is called 'Pedda Melam' or 'Peria Melam' (big ensemble).

Pepa Indian Music Experience Museum

Pepa The Pepa is a wind instrument, a hornpipe, used in Assamese traditional music. It is made of buffalo horn tied together with two reed pieces at the narrow end with four finger holes and is blown through the reed. It is a popular folk instrument, used during the Bihu festival in Assam.

Ghanta Indian Music Experience Museum

SOLID INSTRUMENTS

Solid instruments, also called Idiophones, produce sound when the solid surface or the metallic body of the instrument is struck with a stick.

Chimta Indian Music Experience Museum

Chimta The Chimta is a struck percussion instrument from Himalayas. Originally a fire tong, it has evolved into a musical instrument by the permanent addition of small brass jingles. It has an iron ring fixed at the top. It is popularly used in Punjabi folk music and Sikh religious music called Shabad.

Jaltarang Indian Music Experience Museum

Jaltarang The Jaltarang is an Indian melodic solid instrument. It consists of a set of ceramic or metal bowls of varying sizes, tuned appropriately by filling in different quantities of water. The edges of the bowls are struck with beaters, one in each hand. This instrument is played solo or as part of an ensemble. The Jaltarang is tuned by changing the quantity of water in the bowls.

Morsing Indian Music Experience Museum

Morsing The Morsing, also called Mukhchang or Moorchang, is a solid instrument, referred to as Jew’s Harp in Western countries. The Morsing is supported between the teeth and the player strikes the metal tongue of the instrument to and fro. It is usually played as an upapakkavadya , or a subsidiary percussion instrument along with the Mridangam and is also played in percussion ensembles.

Ghatam Indian Music Experience Museum

Ghatam The Ghatam, a solid instrument, is a narrow-mouthed clay pot. Chidambara Iyer of Polagam is credited for his pioneer work of developing the instrument as an accompaniment. Ghatams with strong and durable bodies are made at Panruti and Manamadurai. The hands and the stomach of the player helps in bringing out various sound modulations in the instrument. Copper and iron fillings mixed with clay produce the sweet resonant tonal quality in the Ghatam. The Ghatam plays an important role on the Karnatik music concert platform as an upapakkavadya or subsidiary instrument. They are also a part of instrument ensembles.

Media Credits : Wilderness Films India Ltd. - Wildfilmsindia Deepika Sreenivasan Visit Indian Music Experience Museum for more information

Essays on Indian Music

October 9, 2019 by studymumbai Leave a Comment

Know India through its Music (604 Words)

Music tells us everything about the soul of the music-maker, said an ancient guru once. Learning Indian music helps one learn more about the people, their temperament and also about the Indian culture.

Music in India has been grouped by the ancient scripts into two main streams known as “margi” and “desi” which roughly translate as “classical” and “folk”. The Vedas, among the ancient recorded literary masterpieces known, also talks greatly about Indian music.

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The two main streams of classical music are Hindustani and Carnatic. Both have the same origins and sources according to ancient scripts, although they are distinct from each other with Hindustani more prevalent in North India and Carnatic more popular in South India .

A new form of Hindustani classical music emerged in the 13th and 14th centuries, known as “khayal” which means imagination, and brought an entirely new approach to Hindustani classical music.

Today, India’s contribution to the world of music is “Raga” which means melody. “Raga” is the foundation of Indian classical music and is made of seven notes (Sa, Re, Ga, etc.), just like the notes in western music (do-re-mi, etc.).

For comparison, the octave is composed of 12 notes in western classical music. In Indian classical music, the octave has 22 notes, or “shrutis”. Swara is considered a note, whereas the shruti is the microtonal intervals between two swaras.

India’s great diversity of traditions also spawned a variety of musical instruments, which further evolved through the ages; the evolution can be seen in ancient cave paintings and sculptures in historic temples.

Some of these instruments can be played solo while the others are used to accompany singers and dancers. Some of the instruments are strictly for devotional and ritualistic purposes, like the conch.

The instruments are broadly grouped into four types: strings, wind, percussion and bells, and cymbals and gongs.

String instruments vary according to the complexity of how they are played. The simplest is the single-string “ektara”. The most popular are the sitar, veena, sarangi and sarod. All of them are made out of dried hollowed gourd acting as the round resonator at one end.

The sitar is the most well-known Indian instrument all over the world, thanks to famous Indian player, Pandit Ravi Shankar. The sarod is another popular string instrument, while the sarangi is played with a bow. A very popular Indian wind instrument is the Shahnai, a double-reed flute.

The drums are important instruments in Indian music, and there are many types. The dholak and pakhawaj are double-faced types which are struck at both sides. The tabla is known and sometimes used in Western music. The chenda are large drums that accompany religious festivals in Kerala. The little bells, clappers, cymbals and gongs (collectively called ‘ghana’) supply the rhythmic functions in Indian music and just as vital as the other instruments.

If you belong to the western world, getting exposed to Indian music will definitely be an enriching experience, a pleasure and a privilege for any music student.

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Essay on Cultural Heritage of India

Students are often asked to write an essay on Cultural Heritage of India in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Cultural Heritage of India

Introduction.

India, a country known for its diverse cultures, is rich in cultural heritage. This heritage is a treasure trove of art, architecture, traditions, and values.

Art and Architecture

India’s art and architecture are unique. Monuments like the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, and temples of Khajuraho are symbols of India’s architectural brilliance.

India’s cultural heritage is also reflected in its festivals. Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, Pongal, and Durga Puja are celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Traditions and Values

Indian traditions, like yoga and Ayurveda, have gained global recognition. Respect for elders, non-violence, and truthfulness are core Indian values.

250 Words Essay on Cultural Heritage of India

India, an ancient civilization, is a treasure trove of cultural heritage. This rich heritage, spanning millennia, is a testament to the country’s diverse and vibrant history. It presents a unique blend of art, architecture, music, dance, and philosophy that has evolved over time, influenced by various dynasties, religions, and foreign invasions.

Indian art and architecture reflect a deep understanding of aesthetics and spirituality. The grandeur of the ancient Indus Valley civilization, the intricate carvings of the Ajanta and Ellora caves, the majestic Mughal architecture, and the Dravidian and Nagara styles of temple architecture are all part of India’s cultural heritage.

Literature and Philosophy

India’s literary heritage is vast and varied. The Vedas, Upanishads, epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana, and works of classical poets like Kalidasa are invaluable contributions to world literature. Indian philosophy, with its six schools of thought, explores profound questions about existence, morality, and the cosmos.

Music and Dance

India’s music and dance forms are deeply intertwined with its spiritual traditions. From the sacred rhythms of Bharatanatyam to the soulful melodies of the Hindustani and Carnatic music, these art forms express a wide range of human emotions.

India’s cultural heritage is a vivid tapestry of diverse elements, each contributing to a holistic understanding of human civilization. It is a testament to the country’s resilience, adaptability, and creativity. As we move forward, it is crucial to preserve and promote this rich heritage, ensuring its continuity for future generations.

500 Words Essay on Cultural Heritage of India

Religious diversity.

Religion is one of the most defining aspects of India’s cultural heritage. Home to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, India has also embraced Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism. Each religion has influenced India’s cultural fabric, contributing to a multitude of festivals, rituals, and architectural marvels.

Literature and Languages

India’s literary heritage is vast and varied, with ancient texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, Ramayana, and the works of Kalidasa. The linguistic diversity in India is astounding, with over 2000 distinct languages. This linguistic diversity has led to a rich treasury of literature, folk tales, music, and dance forms in different regions.

Dance and Music

Indian classical dance and music forms are a vital part of its cultural heritage. Dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, and Odissi, and music systems like Hindustani and Carnatic, have been preserved and passed down generations. They are not just art forms but are deeply intertwined with spirituality and philosophy.

Indian cuisine, with its diverse regional dishes and culinary techniques, is an essential part of its cultural heritage. The use of varied spices, grains, fruits, and vegetables in Indian cuisine is a testament to the country’s agricultural diversity. The cuisine has also been influenced by various historical and cultural interactions with other societies.

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Indian Music - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

Indian music is a diverse and complex art form that has evolved over thousands of years. It is deeply rooted in tradition and culture, with distinct regional styles and instruments. Indian classical music, in particular, is known for its intricate melodies, rhythmic patterns, and improvisation techniques. It is often associated with spirituality and mysticism, and is used in religious rituals and ceremonies. Bollywood music, on the other hand, is more contemporary and is influenced by Western pop music. It is known for its catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms, and is widely popular in India and around the world. Overall, Indian music is a rich and vibrant part of the country’s cultural heritage, and continues to evolve and innovate in the modern era.

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FAQ about Indian Music

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Indian Music essay

Raga is the basis of melody in Indian music and a substitute for the western scale. Indian ragas are suppose to reproduce the conditions and emotions associated with them. For instance the, “Dipak raga is supposed to produce flames in actuality; and a story is told of the famous musician named Gopal Naik (Baiju Bawara) who, when ordered to sing this by the Emperor Akbar went and stood in the Jamuna up to his neck and then started the song. The water became gradually hotter until flames burst out of his body and he was consumed to ashes.

” (Motwani) Ragas in terms of construction is, “the concept of raga is to connect musical ideas in such a way as to form a continuous whole based on emotional impact. There are, however, mixed ragas combined in a continuous whole of contrasting moods. Technically, raga is defined as “essentially a scale with a tonic and two axial notes,” although it has additional characters. ” (Motwani). The instruments used to perform ragas consist of violin, viola, mridangam, ghatam, ganjira, harmonium, flute, etc.

Many modern ragas are performed by vocalists as well. “In Indian classical music, Tala (ta-l (Hindi), ta-la (anglicised from talam; in Sanskrit), literally a “clap,” is a rhythmical pattern that determines the rhythmical structure of a composition. Each composition is set to a tala, and as a composition is rendered by the main artist(s), the percussion artist(s) play the pattern repeatedly, marking time as well as enhancing the appeal of the performance. ” (Wikipedia)

“The most common instrument for keeping rhythm in Hindustani music is the tabla. In Carnatic music, the Mridangam is a stock feature in vocal, violin, Veena and flute concerts, with the Ghatam, the Khanjira and the Morsing also featuring at times. In Nadhaswaram concerts, the Thavil takes the place of the Mridangam. ” (Wikipedia)

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Hindu Music http://www. atributetohinduism. com/Hindu_Music. htm#Raga%20-%20The%20Basis%20 of%20Melody 8-9-2006 Wikipedia- http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Tala_%28music%29 8-9-2006

Essay on Music for Students and Children

500+ words essay on music.

Music is a vital part of different moments of human life. It spreads happiness and joy in a person’s life. Music is the soul of life and gives immense peace to us. In the words of William Shakespeare, “If music is the food of love, play on, Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die.” Thus, Music helps us in connecting with our souls or real self.

What is Music?

Music is a pleasant sound which is a combination of melodies and harmony and which soothes you. Music may also refer to the art of composing such pleasant sounds with the help of the various musical instruments. A person who knows music is a Musician.

The music consists of Sargam, Ragas, Taals, etc. Music is not only what is composed of men but also which exists in nature. Have you ever heard the sound of a waterfall or a flowing river ? Could you hear music there? Thus, everything in harmony has music. Here, I would like to quote a line by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest musicians, “The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.”

Importance of Music:

Music has great qualities of healing a person emotionally and mentally. Music is a form of meditation. While composing or listening music ones tends to forget all his worries, sorrows and pains. But, in order to appreciate good music, we need to cultivate our musical taste. It can be cited that in the Dwapar Yug, the Gopis would get mesmerized with the music that flowed from Lord Krishna’s flute. They would surrender themselves to Him. Also, the research has proved that the plants which hear the Music grow at a faster rate in comparison to the others.

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Magical Powers of Music:

It has the power to cure diseases such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc. The power of Music can be testified by the legends about Tansen of his bringing the rains by singing Raag Megh Malhar and lighting lamps by Raga Deepak. It also helps in improving the concentration and is thus of great help to the students.

Conclusion:

Music is the essence of life. Everything that has rhythm has music. Our breathing also has a rhythm. Thus, we can say that there is music in every human being or a living creature. Music has the ability to convey all sorts of emotions to people. Music is also a very powerful means to connect with God. We can conclude that Music is the purest form of worship of God and to connect with our soul.

FAQs on Essay on Music:

Q.1. Why is Music known as the Universal Language?

Ans.1. Music is known as the Universal language because it knows no boundaries. It flows freely beyond the barriers of language, religion, country, etc. Anybody can enjoy music irrespective of his age.

Q.2. What are the various styles of Music in India?

Ans.2. India is a country of diversities. Thus, it has numerous styles of music. Some of them are Classical, Pop, Ghazals, Bhajans, Carnatic, Folk, Khyal, Thumri, Qawwali, Bhangra, Drupad, Dadra, Dhamar, Bandish, Baithak Gana, Sufi, Indo Jazz, Odissi, Tarana, Sugama Sangeet, Bhavageet, etc.

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• Music Essay

Essay on Music

Music is like a universal language of life. It is basically the sound that is brought together through the harmony of various instruments. Our life would have been totally empty and different without music. It is something that every human being enjoys. It is a very powerful thing. Music helps to destress, heal, and motivate.

If you are looking for a short essay on music, then take a look at the short essay given in the following. This is created by the in-house exports of Vedantu keeping the understanding ability of the students. Those who are looking for references can look up to this following essay. It will be easy to figure out the pattern of how to write an essay on music. One can also download the Vedantu app to get access to the same file.

Music Essay for Students

“Without music, life will be a mistake” the statement of Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher, simplified the importance of music in one’s life so easily. Music has a magical impact on humans. It's the best form of magic. 

The origin of the word ‘music’ is the Greek word ‘mousike’ which means ‘art of muses’. Music is a form of art and artists decorate it. The music consists of lesser words with deeper meanings. Frequently people use music as a painkiller to escape from the pain of life.  ‘Musical Notations’ is the leading form to write music. This provides a reference to an artist so he can share with others if necessary. Music is a mood freshener and accompanies us in our pocket devices, on televisions, movies, and the most effective in live concerts.

Different forms of music have different effects on human nature. Music is the greatest creation of mankind in the course of history. A combination of deem lights and calm music encourages the listener to eat less and enjoy the food more. Listening to music positively in a car influences one’s mood leads to safer behaviour and fewer road rages ultimately minimising accidental destructions.

If the students love the music, it helps them in recalling the information more significantly along with improvement in verbal intelligence. The studies have found that listening to favourite songs helps fibromyalgia patients to experience less chronic pain. Music has a direct effect on our hormonal levels. Listening to music decreases the level of the hormone cortisol in our body and counteracts the effect of chronic stress.

The heart-touching music is nothing but creativity with the purest and undiluted form. The combination of vocal or instrumental sounds in such a way that it produces beauty and expresses emotions. Anyone can make their day by enjoying music by listening or by composting or by playing. The global facts say parents intensively use music to soothe children even to interact.

Music touches the heart through the ears. It has divine power to act as an energy booster. Some music assists in motivation while some play the best role in sympathy. Music helps us to fight insomnia. Listening to classical or relaxing music, just before going to bed, improves one’s sleep.

Though music helps to counteract depression and loneliness, people underestimate the impact of music on the human mindset in the age of irony age. On the other side of the coin, there are some types of music that can result in deleterious effects on the human mind and body. Listening to music with high decibels can damage neurons. The effect on the brain subjected to continuous exposure to electronic amplification of rhythmic music is similar to that of drugs.

Genres of Music

While talking about a wide variety of music that ranges from ages belonging to different places, cultures, and types, the list of genres is endless. However, some of the major genres of music are stated as below:

Folk & Traditional Music

Traditional music holds an impression of the culture that it represents. It is usually illustrated and sung with folk music. Folk music is taught by one generation to another vocally through singing it and by listening to it. Various dance performances are in order to make it stay intact through ages. In India, the state of Rajasthan is well known for its Traditional-folk music with its dance. Several other regions are also popular.

Art music describes the characteristics of both classical and contemporary art forms. It is usually sung by just one person and demands a high level of attention from its listeners. It is quite well known in Europe.

Religious Music

The type of music that is affiliated to the worshipping of God by singing it, is known as Religious Music. Every religion has its own style and way of singing it. Christian music is one of the most famous religious music known all over the world.

Popular Music

As the name suggests, the type of music that is popular and accessible to everyone and everywhere is known as Popular Music. Such music is composed mostly by the entertainment industry for the purpose of monetary income. As compared to other types of music, Popular Music attracts a notable audience through different concerts or Live shows.

It has gained immense popularity over a period of time and varies from country to country and from culture to culture. One can listen to it on public platforms, digital platforms, television commercials, radio, and even at shopping centres.

Popular music can be subcategorized into numerous types such as Hip Hop Music, Rock Music, Polka Music Music, Jazz Music, Pop Music Latin Music, Electronic Music, Punk Music, and many more. Among different types of Popular Music, Hip Hop Music is vividly famous, especially among the youth population. The culture of Hip Hop music originally started in New York City and now has taken over its place everywhere. The culture of Hip Hop dance has also emerged because of the same. With passing time, a lot of changes are happening in the field of Music but it will never go out of style.

Music is a healer to all human emotions from sadness to depression. It is a cause of happiness. Music content has many genres to play. Emotional expressions have been regarded as the most important criteria for the aesthetic value of music. Sometimes, some crises of life are impossible to express in proper sentences and their music plays its best part. Log on to Vedantu to find exciting essays on other topics and learn how to frame one perfectly from experts.

FAQs on Music Essay

1. What Role Does Music Play in Our Life?

Music is a very important part of our life as it is a way to express our feelings as well as emotions. For some people, music is a way to escape from all the pain. It gives you relief and allows you to destress yourself. Music plays a crucial role in our life rather than just being a source of entertainment. More importantly, music is something that can be enjoyed by everyone irrespective of their caste, creed, age, or gender.

2. Why is Music So Powerful?

Music is a language of emotion in that it can represent different feelings of a soul without any boundaries or limitations. When people feel really low and think that no one understands them, they listen to music. It is a good weapon to imitate emotions and reduce them. Music is something that can be felt from within our soul. Music is connected with Nature. There are numerous incidents of various singers where singing had led towards the showering of rains. 

3. How Can I Write an Essay on Music?

Get to know the topic. You can't start writing about music until you've familiarised yourself with the concept. Do research thoroughly. Understand the important points and jot them down. Then draw a structure and start writing an essay. A student needs to realise the importance of music and the belonging of its culture for a better understanding and ease of writing. Talking to different artists from this field may also help in writing the essay. Refer to this essay framed by the experts of Vedantu and compile on your own.

4. Is Music a Means of Therapy?

In this modern era where everyone is busy living their hectic life, music plays an important role in soothing one’s mental health. Over a course of time, it has been scientifically proven that music acts as a therapy for a person suffering from depression or anxiety. Even the sound of waves in the ocean helps to heal a person mentally. Thus, psychologists suggest hearing calm and soothing to gain relief from worldly distress.

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Guest Essay

On Turning Black

By Esau McCaulley

Contributing Opinion Writer

During his interview before the National Association of Black Journalists this week, Donald Trump was asked if he would call upon his fellow Republicans to refrain from labeling Vice President Kamala Harris a “ D.E.I. candidate” for the presidency. Rather than condemn his party’s increasingly troubling language on the topic, Mr. Trump took the opportunity to question Ms. Harris’s racial identity.

“She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage,” he said. “I didn’t know she was Black, until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black. So I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black? I respect either one, but she obviously doesn’t.”

This is all clearly untrue. Ms. Harris graduated from Howard University, a historically Black university, and she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, a historically Black sorority. Her biographies and self-descriptions throughout her career have cited both her Black and Indian identities.

My wife is white, so we have multiracial children. Depending on the context, they can refer to themselves as Black or multiracial. When my children describe themselves using the latter term, they are acknowledging that their mother is a part of their story as well. Does Mr. Trump really expect interracial people to deny half of their families?

But the lived experience of interracial families was probably far from his concern. His comments seemed designed to convince African Americans that Ms. Harris is not authentically Black, and, therefore, African Americans should not vote for her. This move also suggests to Indian Americans that Ms. Harris has abandoned her Asian identity, and so they should not support her either.

When Mr. Trump went on to suggest that “somebody should look into” Ms. Harris’s supposed shift in identity, he seemed to be prompting the two groups to claim her as solely their own, encouraging division.

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Chaos marks music exam in Bengaluru as papers reach late

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Bengaluru: The examination conducted by the Gangubai Hangal music and performing arts university on Saturday was a mess for candidates who were allotted centres in Bengaluru.

There were only two examination centres for thousands of students who had registered for the music junior theory examination. Across the state, 10,000 students appeared for the exam.

At one of the centres, the question paper bundle reached more than two hours late as it was stuck in traffic. The examination, scheduled to begin at 1 pm, commenced at 3.45 pm.

The candidates complained that they had to struggle because of the wrong allotment of seating. "The number given to me was not there at the centre allotted to me. It was full of confusion. There were no answer booklets and we were forced to write on white sheets that were provided," said a candidate.

The examination on listening knowledge scheduled at one of the centres in Bengaluru was postponed due to the delay in the dispatch of the question papers.

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Zach Bryan’s Quittin Time Tour Set List

Zach Bryan kicked off his 2024 tour with three nights at Chicago’s United Center, where he delivered hit after sentimental hit to a stadium of screaming fans (his surprise guest: Kacey Musgraves, who joined him for their duet “I Remember Everything”). It’s unlikely that Musgraves will join Bryan again (she’s got her own show in the works), but he’s set to perform with more special guests, including Jason Isbell, Sheryl Crow, Sierra Ferrell, and others, before the tour wraps in Brooklyn in December. Whether you’re prepping for an upcoming show or reminiscing about one you recently attended, you can explore the set list here.

24 Songs, 1 hour, 26 minutes

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