Adventures in Traveling
Ancient Foundations of Indian Music
Origin of Music In Ancient India -
The history of Indian music is a 5,000-year evolution from prehistoric ritual to a highly codified classical system. It is defined by three distinct historical phases:
-Prehistoric & Indus Valley Foundations (c. 3000–1500 BCE)Early music in India was a functional part of social and religious life. Archaeological findings from the Indus Valley Civilization, such as the "Dancing Girl" figurine and primitive flutes and drums, indicate a sophisticated understanding of rhythm and melody long before formal documentation.
-The Vedic Era: Liturgical Roots (c. 1500–500 BCE)The formal structural foundation of Indian music lies in the Sama Veda (the "Veda of Melodies").
- Samagana: This was the practice of chanting Rig Vedic hymns to specific melodic measures.
- Evolution of Scale: Music transitioned from a three-note chant to the Saptasvara(seven-note scale), which remains the basis of the modern Indian musical octave.
- Gandharva Veda: As an Upaveda (applied knowledge), it established music as a distinct science and spiritual discipline.
-The Classical Codification (c. 200 BCE – 600 CE)The transition from liturgical chanting to a secular art form was marked by the landmark treatise, the Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni.
- Theory of Rasa: It introduced the "Rasa" theory, linking specific musical notes and scales to human emotions.
- Shrutis: The system identified 22 microtones (Shrutis) within an octave, providing a level of melodic precision unique to Indian music.
- Brihaddesi: Later, the scholar Matanga formally defined the Raga—a melodic framework capable of "coloring the mind"—which became the definitive identity of Indian classical music.
The divergence of Indian music into Hindustani (North) and Carnatic (South) traditions occurred primarily between the 12th and 16th centuries. While both share the foundational concepts of Raga (melody) and Tala (rhythm), they split due to distinct cultural and political influences.
1. The Catalyst: Persian and Islamic Influence
- Hindustani (North): Following the 12th-century Persian and Turkic invasions, Northern music integrated Persian and Arabic musical elements. This led to the evolution of instruments like the Sitar and Tabla, and vocal styles like Khayal and Ghazal.
- Carnatic (South): Protected by the Western Ghats and the Vijayanagara Empire, Southern music remained largely insulated from foreign influence. It preserved the ancient Vedic and Temple-based structures, maintaining a more rigid, traditionalist approach.
2. Key Stylistic Differences FeatureHindustani (North)Carnatic (South)PhilosophyPrimarily an art music with a focus on improvisation and mood (Rasa).Deeply devotional (Bhakti) with a focus on pre-composed lyrics (Kritis).ImprovisationExtensive, slow, and often wordless (Alap).Structured and often rhythmic, based on the text. Instruments Sitar, Sarod, Santoor, Tabla, Harmonium, Veena, Violin, Mridangam, Ghatam, Flute.
RhythmUses specific rhythmic cycles (Taals) with a strong emphasis on the first beat (Sam).Uses a complex system of mathematical cycles (Talams) with intricate sub-divisions.
3. The Definitive Texts
- Sangita Ratnakara (13th Century): Written by Sarangadeva, this is the last major text common to both traditions before the split became permanent.
- Chaturdandi Prakashika (17th Century): Written by Venkatamakhin, this text codified the Melakarta system (72 mother ragas), providing the modern scientific framework for Carnatic music.
Dhimahi's Insights -Topic SAMAGANA
Explained -
Think of Samagana as the moment ancient prayers turned into actual songs.While the Rig Veda was mostly spoken or chanted in a monotone way, the Sama Veda took those same words and added musical notes to them. Here is the simple breakdown:
- Text + Tune: It took the "lyrics" from the Rig Veda and set them to specific melodies.
- Musical "Fillers": To make the songs flow better, singers added sounds called Stobhas(like "Hau" or "Hoi"). These didn't have a dictionary meaning but helped the melody stay on track—similar to "la la la" or "yeah" in modern songs.
- The First Scale: It started with just three notes (high, middle, and low) and eventually grew into the seven-note scale (Saptasvara) that we still use in Indian music today (Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni).
- Descending Flow: Unlike most music today that scales "up," Samagana was traditionally sung from high notes down to low notes.
- Team Singing: It was a group effort. Three different priests would sing different parts of the song (the intro, the main melody, and the conclusion) to complete the ritual.
In short, Samagana is the ancestor of all Indian classical music. Without it, we wouldn't have the complex systems of Ragas and Talas we have now.
Reflections on Understanding - written by © Arati Swapnil Paranjpe
Dhimahi's Insights -Topic Evolution of Scale
Explained -
Think of the evolution of the scale as a staircase that started with only three steps and grew into seven.
1. The Three Original Steps (The Starting Point)At first, hymns weren't "sung"—they were chanted using only three pitches:
- High (Udatta)
- Low (Anudatta)
- Middle (Svarita)
2. Growing into Seven Notes (The Expansion)As the music in the Sama Veda became more complex, musicians realized they could fit more notes between the high and low points. They expanded those 3 basic pitches into the 7 notes we know today (Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni).
3. Nature as a GuideTo make these notes easy to remember and teach, ancient singers matched them to the sounds of animals:
- Sa = A peacock’s cry
- Re = A bull’s lowing
- Ga = A goat’s bleat
- Ma = A crane’s call
- Pa = A cuckoo’s song
- Dha = A horse’s neigh
- Ni = An elephant’s trumpet
4. Going Downhill-The biggest difference back then was the direction. Today, we usually practice scales going up (Sa - Ni).
In the Vedic era, they practiced going down (Ni - Sa).
To understand : The "Seven Notes" (Saptasvara) that every Indian musician uses today started as just three simple chanting tones thousands of years ago.
written by © Arati Swapnil Paranjpe
Dhimahi's Insights -Topic GANDHARVA VEDA
Explained -
Think of Gandharva Veda as the ancient "manual for the power of music."
In the same way that Ayurveda is the science of healing the body with herbs and food, Gandharva Veda is the science of healing the mind and environment using sound and rhythm.
What is it?
1. It is a collection of ancient Indian knowledge focused on music, dance, and drama. It is considered a "sub-section" of the Sama Veda (the Veda of melodies).
2. The Big Idea- Nature’s Rhythm The core belief is that the universe has a natural "hum" or rhythm. When we get stressed or sick, we fall out of sync with that rhythm. Gandharva Veda uses specific melodies (called Ragas) to pull us back into balance.
How it Works?
(The "Clock" of Music)This is the most famous part: different music is played at different times of the day.
- Morning music: Soft and waking, like the rising sun.
- Afternoon music: Cooling and calm to combat the heat.
- Evening music: Relaxing to help the mind settle for sleep.
Why do people use it?
- To Relax: It’s used as a form of meditation or therapy.
- To Connect: It was originally performed by "Gandharvas" (mythical celestial musicians) to bridge the gap between humans and the divine.
- To Heal: It’s believed that the right frequencies can physically lower stress and harmonize your mood.
In short: It’s the art of using the right sound, at the right time, to feel "in tune" with the world.
written by © Arati Swapnil Paranjpe