1. Indian Classical Music
Indian classical music is a highly evolved and sophisticated art form with roots in the Sama Veda and the ancient treatise Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni. It is based on two fundamental pillars: Raga (the melodic framework) and Tala (the rhythmic cycle).
Around the 13th century, due to the influence of Persian and Islamic culture in the North, Indian classical music diverged into two distinct systems.
1.a) Hindustani Classical Music
- Region: Predominantly practiced in North India.
- Influences: It has significant Persian, Arabic, and Islamic influences, developed in the royal courts of the Mughal emperors and other regional kings.
- Key Features:
- Improvisation: Places a strong emphasis on improvisation and exploring the mood of the Raga.
- Gharana System: Performers belong to different "Gharanas" (schools), which are like family lineages with a distinct style of performance (e.g., Gwalior Gharana, Kirana Gharana).
- Vocal Forms: Main vocal forms include Dhrupad (the oldest form, very austere), Khayal (the most popular form, more romantic), and Thumri (semi-classical, expressive).
- Instruments: Common instruments include the Sitar, Sarod, Tabla, Sarangi, and Flute (Bansuri).
1.b) Carnatic Classical Music
- Region: Predominantly practiced in South India (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu).
- Influences: It is considered to be more "pure" and less influenced by foreign elements, as the South remained largely insulated from the Islamic invasions that shaped the North.
- Key Features:
- Composition-based: It is more structured and composition-based. Improvisation exists, but it is within a more rigid framework.
- Kriti: The main vocal form is the Kriti, a poetic composition set to a Raga.
- The "Trinity": The golden age of Carnatic music was in the 18th century, dominated by the "Trinity of Carnatic Music": Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri.
- Instruments: Common instruments include the Veena, Violin (an import that was brilliantly adapted), Mridangam, and Ghatam.
Diagram: Map of India showing Hindustani (North) vs. Carnatic (South) music
2. Indian Classical Dance
Indian classical dance forms are also rooted in the Natya Shastra. They are highly structured and spiritual art forms, blending Nritta (pure rhythmic dance), Nritya (expressive dance with gestures), and Natya (drama).
2.a) Kathak
- Region: North India (especially Uttar Pradesh).
- Etymology: The word 'Kathak' comes from 'Katha', meaning "story." The Kathakars were originally traveling storytellers who used dance and music to narrate tales from the epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata).
- Evolution:
- Temple Phase: It began as a devotional dance in temples.
- Mughal Court Phase: It moved into the Mughal courts, where it absorbed Persian influences. The devotional aspect was partially replaced by entertainment, and the dance became more secular.
- Key Features:
- Storytelling: Strong emphasis on facial expressions (Abhinaya) and gestures to tell a story.
- Footwork (Tatkar): Complex, fast, and intricate rhythmic footwork, with bells (ghungroos) on the ankles.
- Spins (Chakkars): Rapid and stunning pirouettes or spins are a hallmark of Kathak.
- Gharanas: Like Hindustani music, Kathak has distinct schools or Gharanas, such as Lucknow, Jaipur, and Benares.
2.b) Bharatnatyam
- Region: Tamil Nadu (South India).
- Etymology: The name is sometimes broken down as Bha (Bhava/expression), Ra (Raga/music), and Ta (Tala/rhythm).
- Evolution:
- Temple Phase: It has its origins in the temple dances of the Devadasis (women dedicated to the temple deity). It was a purely spiritual and devotional art.
- Colonial Decline: The British, viewing the Devadasi system as immoral, banned temple dancing, and the art form nearly died out.
- Modern Revival: In the early 20th century, pioneers like Rukmini Devi Arundale and E. Krishna Iyer revived and reformed the dance, bringing it out of the temple and onto the stage, giving it a new respectability.
- Key Features:
- Strong Poses: Characterized by sharp, angular movements, strong lines, and sculpturesque poses.
- Fire Dance: It is considered the "fire dance," symbolizing the fire in the human body.
- Balance: A perfect balance between Nritta (pure dance) and Abhinaya (storytelling).
- Mudra: Uses a highly codified and extensive language of hand gestures (mudras).