An Introduction to Indian Music

This migration and mixing of cultures is of particular interest for this peninsula. On the plains and mountains of this land have lived and died many a tribe and culture, each contributing its own to the music of India. The interaction of these musical styles, indigenous and foreign has resulted in the two broad systems of classical music – North Indian (Hindustani) and South Indian (Karnatak). They are similar to the extent of being melodic and having the same general concepts of raga and tala. But there are also differences – major and minor – that still distinguish them very clearly. With the coming of quicker and wider means of communications, the two are coming closers; stylistic characteristics, ragas and attitudes are being exchanged. Western influences are gaining ground, as did mid-western music some centuries ago. All this may result in a music of a different mould in the future.