What is Hindustani Music?

Hindustani classical music is one of two principal traditions of Indian classical music, predominantly practiced in North India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It diverged from its southern counterpart (Carnatic music) in the late 12th-early 13th centuries due to the Persian and Islamic cultural influence that accompanied Muslim conquests of northern India.

The system is built on two foundational elements: raga (melodic framework) and tala (rhythmic cycle). The North Indian raga system was systematized by Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande (1860-1936), who classified ragas into 10 parent scales (thaats): Kalyan, Bilaval, Khamaj, Kafi, Asavari, Bhairavi, Bhairav, Purvi, Marva, and Todi. Each raga prescribes ascending (arohi) and descending (avarohi) note patterns, a dominant note (vadi), a sub-dominant note (samvadi), and a characteristic phrase (pakar).

A distinctive feature is the association of ragas with specific times of day and seasons, reflecting the belief that human emotional states are influenced by natural rhythms. Hindustani music grants greater freedom for improvisation compared to the more composition-oriented Carnatic tradition. Major vocal genres include Dhrupad, Khayal, Thumri, and Ghazal.

Key Features

# Feature Details
1 Region North India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal
2 Divergence Separated from Carnatic music in 12th-13th century due to Persian influence
3 Raga Melodic framework for improvisation; associated with time and mood
4 Tala Rhythmic cycle; common talas: Teentaal (16 beats), Jhaptaal (10 beats)
5 Thaat System 10 parent scales classified by V.N. Bhatkhande
6 Vocal Genres Dhrupad (oldest), Khayal (most popular), Thumri, Ghazal, Tarana
7 Improvisation Greater emphasis on spontaneous elaboration than Carnatic music
8 Key Instruments Sitar, sarod, tabla, santoor, sarangi, bansuri, harmonium, tanpura
9 Gharana System Schools of musical tradition (e.g., Gwalior, Agra, Jaipur, Kirana, Patiala)
10 Notable Exponents Tansen (Mughal era), Ravi Shankar, Bismillah Khan, Zakir Hussain

UPSC Exam Corner

Prelims: Key Facts

  • Parent tradition: common origin with Carnatic music; split in 12th-13th century
  • Thaat system: 10 parent scales (V.N. Bhatkhande)
  • Two core elements: Raga (melody) and Tala (rhythm)
  • Oldest vocal form: Dhrupad; Most popular: Khayal
  • Tansen: legendary musician in Akbar's court (one of the Navaratnas)
  • Gharana: hereditary school/lineage of musical training

Mains: Probable Themes

  1. Discuss the evolution of Hindustani music and the influence of Persian-Islamic traditions on it
  2. Analyse the Gharana system as a mode of cultural transmission in Indian classical music
  3. Compare and contrast Hindustani and Carnatic music traditions
  4. Examine the role of royal and Mughal patronage in the development of Hindustani music

Sources: Hindustani Classical Music (Wikipedia) | Raga (Wikipedia) | Raga (Britannica) | Indian Classical Music (Wikipedia)