Indian music is one of the most ancient and diverse traditions in the world. It reflects the spiritual, cultural, and social life of the people. Music in India is not just a source of entertainment but also a form of devotion, storytelling, and cultural identity. From temple chants and folk songs to refined classical concerts, Indian music has grown with society while retaining its roots in tradition.
For UPSC EPFO aspirants, Indian music is an important part of the culture syllabus. Questions often come from classical and folk traditions, instruments, and UNESCO recognitions, making a detailed understanding essential.
Classification of Indian Music
Indian music is broadly classified into Classical Music and Folk/Regional Music. While classical music is codified and deeply rooted in ragas and talas, folk music is community-driven and closely tied to local festivals and customs.
| Category | Features | Examples |
| Classical Music | Highly structured; based on ragas (melody) and talas (rhythm); devotional and spiritual. | Hindustani Music, Carnatic Music |
| Folk/Regional Music | Community-based; reflects festivals, harvest, and daily life; more spontaneous. | Baul (Bengal), Lavani (Maharashtra), Bihugeet (Assam) |
Classical Music Traditions of India
Indian classical music is divided into two major schools – Hindustani (North India) and Carnatic (South India). Though both share the same foundation of ragas and talas, they differ in style, presentation, and instruments.
| Feature | Hindustani Classical Music | Carnatic Classical Music |
| Region | North & Central India | South India |
| Influences | Mughal, Persian, Bhakti traditions | Temple and Bhakti traditions |
| Main Elements | Dhrupad, Khayal, Thumri, Tappa, Tarana | Kriti, Varnam, Tillana, Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi |
| Instruments | Sitar, Sarod, Tabla, Santoor, Shehnai | Veena, Mridangam, Violin, Ghatam, Nadaswaram |
| Famous Musicians | Tansen, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pt. Ravi Shankar | M. S. Subbulakshmi, Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar |
Important Forms of Classical Music
Classical music in India developed into distinct forms that convey different moods and occasions. Hindustani forms are often more improvisational, while Carnatic forms are composition-based and devotional.
Hindustani Classical Forms
Hindustani music has a wide range of vocal forms, from serious devotional styles to light romantic ones. Each form has unique themes, tempo, and performance techniques.
| Form | Features | Significance |
| Dhrupad | Oldest form; slow, serious, devotional; performed in temples and royal courts. | Foundation of Hindustani tradition; emphasizes discipline and spirituality. |
| Khayal | Most popular form today; based on improvisation with ragas and talas. | Allows creativity, expression, and flexibility. |
| Thumri | Light classical; based on love and devotion, often related to Radha-Krishna. | Emphasizes emotions and expressions. |
| Tappa | Fast-paced, with intricate rhythmic patterns. | Popular in Punjab; shows vocal virtuosity. |
| Tarana | Uses meaningless syllables for rhythm. | Often performed as a concluding piece. |
Carnatic Classical Forms
Carnatic music is rooted in temple traditions and emphasizes memorized compositions. It is highly devotional, structured, and rich in improvisation within set frameworks.
| Form | Features | Significance |
| Kriti | Main devotional composition, praising gods and saints. | Core of Carnatic repertoire; popularized by the Trinity. |
| Varnam | Introductory or practice piece; combines melody and rhythm. | Helps in learning ragas and talas; performed at the start of concerts. |
| Tillana | Rhythmic and fast-paced; usually performed at the end. | Similar to Tarana in Hindustani; showcases rhythm mastery. |
| Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi | Complex improvisational form; expands raga with rhythmic innovation. | Tests creativity and mastery of the performer. |
Folk and Regional Music of India
Folk music is community-based and reflects local culture, traditions, and festivals. It is simple, energetic, and often linked to agriculture, marriage, or rituals.
| Folk Music | Region | Features |
| Baul | Bengal | Mystic songs by wandering minstrels. |
| Lavani | Maharashtra | Rhythmic songs with dholki, often dance-based. |
| Pandavani | Chhattisgarh | Ballads narrating stories from the Mahabharata. |
| Bihugeet | Assam | Sung during Bihu festival, celebrating harvest. |
| Bhavageet | Karnataka | Expresses human emotions; lyrical and melodic. |
| Maand | Rajasthan | Semi-classical royal songs of courts. |
| Alha | Uttar Pradesh & MP | Heroic ballads narrating bravery. |
| Zeliang Songs | Nagaland | Tribal music reflecting community life |
Musical Instruments of India
Instruments are integral to Indian music. As per the Natya Shastra, they are classified into four categories. Each category has instruments central to both classical and folk traditions.
| Category | Instruments | Features |
| String (Tata Vadya) | Sitar, Veena, Sarod, Santoor | Produce melody through plucking or bowing. |
| Wind (Sushira Vadya) | Flute, Shehnai, Nadaswaram | Played by blowing air; used in temples and courts. |
| Percussion (Avanaddha Vadya) | Tabla, Mridangam, Dholak, Pakhawaj | Provide rhythm and tempo. |
| Solid/Idiophones (Ghana Vadya) | Manjira, Ghatam, Kartal | Produce sound when struck directly. |
Cultural Importance of Indian Music
Music in India is closely tied to culture and spirituality. It is not limited to entertainment but plays a deeper social role.
- Devotional: Bhajans, kirtans, and temple chants connect people to faith.
- Preservation of Epics: Ballads keep Ramayana and Mahabharata stories alive.
- Cultural Identity: Folk music links communities with their traditions.
- Social Bonding: Festivals and marriages are incomplete without music.
- Global Reach: Indian ragas and instruments are respected worldwide.
UNESCO Recognition of Indian Music
Some Indian musical traditions have been listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting their global value.
| Music / Tradition | Year | Highlights |
| Kutiyattam | 2001 | Sanskrit theatre with music, Kerala. |
| Mudiyettu | 2010 | Ritual dance-theatre with music, Kerala. |
| Baul Songs | 2008 | Mystic folk songs of Bengal. |
| Ramlila | 2008 | Theatrical enactment of Ramayana with music. |
| Kumbh Mela Traditions | 2017 | Devotional music during the festival. |
Previous Year Question Trends (UPSC/EPFO & Other Exams)
- UPSC Prelims 2014: Which classical dance form is associated with Sattriya music and monasteries? (Ans: Assam – Sattriya).
- UPSC Prelims 2012: Which musical instruments are correctly matched with categories? (e.g., Santoor – string).
- EPFO Exam Pattern: Questions on Hindustani vs Carnatic, instruments, and folk music regions.
FAQs on Indian Music
Q1: What are the two main schools of Indian classical music?
A1: The two main schools are Hindustani Classical Music (North India) and Carnatic Classical Music (South India).
Q2: What is the difference between Hindustani and Carnatic music?
A2: Hindustani emphasizes improvisation and evolved under Mughal influence, while Carnatic is more composition-based and rooted in temple traditions.
Q3: Which are the main forms of Hindustani classical music?
A3: Dhrupad, Khayal, Thumri, Tappa, and Tarana are the main Hindustani forms.
Q4: How are Indian musical instruments classified?
A4: As per Natya Shastra, they are divided into String (Tata Vadya), Wind (Sushira Vadya), Percussion (Avanaddha Vadya), and Idiophones (Ghana Vadya).
Q5: Which Indian music traditions have UNESCO recognition?
A5: Baul songs of Bengal, Kutiyattam, Mudiyettu, Ramlila traditions, and devotional songs at Kumbh Mela are recognized by UNESCO.
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