HISTORY OF MUSIC
Part I
Indian Classical Music is the classical music of the Indian subcontinent. We all know that it has two major traditions Hindustani and Carnatic. These traditions were not distinct till about the 16th century. During the turmoils( a state of great disturbance, confusion) of islamic rule period of the Indian subcontinent, the traditions separated and evolved into distinct forms.

Hindustani Music emphasizes improvisation and exploring all aspects of a raga, while Carnatic Music performances tend to be short and composition based. However these two major traditions have more common features then differences.

The roots of the Classical Music of India are found in the Vedic literature of Hindustani and the ancient Natyashastra. The classic Sanskrit text on performance arts by Bharat Muni. Natyashastra is at the foundation of the numerous Classical Music and dance traditions of India. Before Natyashastra was finalized, the ancient Indian traditions had classified musical instruments into four groups, which are four separate chapter in Natyashastra, one of each stringed instruments (chordophones), hollow instruments (aerophones), solid instruments (idiophones) and covered instruments (membraphones).

The 13th century Sanskrit text Sangita- Ratnakara of Sarangdeva is regarded as the definitive text by both the Hindustani and Carnatic Music traditions. It was patronized by king singhana of the Yadav dynasty in Maharashtra mentions and discusses Ragas and Talas. He identifies seven tala families, then subdivides them into rhythmic ratios.

Sangita-Ratnakara is one of the most complete historic medieval era Hindu treaties on this subject that has survived into the modern era, that relates to the structure technique and reasoning behind Ragas and Taal.

About my blog:  This is the history of Indian Classical Music, more history is still remaining. I am going to touch those aspects in my next post. 

So wait for my upcoming post.