Hindustani music or North Indian classical music is one of the two schools of Indian classical music. It is also known as Hindi music as it developed in historical Medieval India during the Muslim rule at the time of Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire.
Hindustani music originated in North India. Based on the Raga system, here one raga and one tala is used per composition.
The Hindustani music has elements of ancient Hindu tradition, Vedic philosophy and Persian tradition as well. It has been influenced by various elements such as Arab, Persian and Afghan elements which have added a new dimension to Hindustani music.
In ancient times, it has been passed from one to another through the Guru-Shishya Parampara. Musical instruments used in Hindustani are Tabla, Sarangi, Sitar, Santoor, Flute and violin.
It is based on the Raga system. The Raga is a melodic scale comprising of basic seven notes. Most of the Hindustani musicians trace their descent to Tansen.
There are ten main styles of singing in Hindustani music like the Dhrupad, Khayal, Tappa, Chaturanga, Tarana, Sargam, Thumri and Ragasagar, Hori and Dhamar.
Dhrupad is the oldest and grandest form of Hindustani classical music. In fact, it finds a mention even in the Natyashastra (200 BC–200 AD). Dhrupad is also one of the few forms of Carnatic classical music that has found international acceptance.
Reached its zenith in the court of emperor Akbar. He employed and patronised musical masters like Baba Gopal Das, Swami Haridas and Tansen, who was considered to be one of the Navaratna or nine gems of the Mughal court.
A poetic form incorporated into an extended presentation style marked by precise & orderly elaboration of a raga. The exposition preceding the composed verses is called alap and is usually the longest portion of the performance.
Khayal is the most popular form of Indian classical music and also the oldest form of dance music. The word khayal in Persian means imagination or intelligence, which are the requirements for a musician to improvise in this style.
Based on the repertoire of short songs ranging from two to eight lines. Is also referred to as a ‘Bandish’. Khayal is also composed in a particular raga and tala and has a brief text. Texts mainly include Praise of kings, Description of seasons, Pranks of Lord Krishna, Divine love & Sorrow of separation.
Tarana is a type of composition in Hindustani classical vocal music in which certain words and syllables based on Persian and Arabic phonemes are rendered at a medium or fast. It was invented by Amir Khusro and is similar to the Qalbana form of Sufi poetry.
Thumri is a genre of Hindustani classical music and folk song from Northern India. It originated in 18th century Lucknow, and gained popularity throughout the latter half of the 19th century with singers such as thumri queen Begum Akhtar.
Distinct feature: Erotic subject matter portrayed picturesquely from the various episodes of the lives of Lord Krishna & Radha. Lyrics are typically in Brij Bhasha and are usually romantic & religious.
Tappa is a genre of Hindustani classical music. In particular, the term is used to refer to a rhythmic mode, closely allied with Marwa, and is usually accompanied by a drum called pakhavaj. Tappa is often performed as an instrumental piece. Though in modern times it is also very commonly used in vocal form, especially for Dhrupad compositions, which also makes it quite unique.
A Ghazal is a poetic expression of both the pain of loss or separation and the beauty of love in spite of that pain. Originated by the Persian poet, Rudaki in Iran in the 10th century AD, it reached its zenith under the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb.
A Gharana is a system of social organisation linking musicians or dancers by lineage or apprenticeship, and by adherence to a particular musical style.
Function in guru-shishya parampara, i.e. disciples learning under a particular guru, transmitting his musical knowledge and style.
The similarities between the Hindustani and Carnatic forms of music are strong enough to make both western music aficionados take some time out to listen to these two styles and be amazed by their similarities. The larger picture is interesting, for both styles have a strong influence from Indian classical music, which itself is deeply entrenched in the Indian religion.
Carnatic is one of two main sub-genres of India classical music that evolved from ancient Hindu traditions, the other sub-genre being Hindustani music, which emerged as a distinct form due to Persian and Islamic influences in North India.
Both the music evolved with Sanskrit language scripts in itself and through Vedic traditions.
The central notions in both these systems are that of a melodic mode or raga, sung to a rhythmic cycle or tala.
Hindustani and Carnatic styles of singing are the two prominent forms of Indian music. While Hindustani is a subset of Indian classical music, Carnatic is a different musical genre. The origin of the Hindustani style of music dates back to the Vedic period, while the Carnatic style evolved in the 16th century during the Bhakti movement. Both these styles evolved out of Sankeertan traditions. However, there are significant differences between them in terms of instruments used, the raga grammar, and their manner of singing .
The main emphasis in Carnatic music is on vocal music and most compositions are to be sung, involving gayaki style. In Hindustani music vocal- centric group is required. Many instruments are designed to accompany the singer.
The major vocal forms of Hindustani music are Dhrupad, khayal, Tarana, Thumri, Dadra and Gazals. While Carnatic music embraces several varieties of improvisation consist of Alpana, Niraval, kalpanaswaram and Ragam Thana pallavi.
