Classical music and dances of India
Indian classical music
The origins of Indian classical music can be found from the oldest of scriptures, part of the Indian tradition, the Vedas. Samaveda, one of the four Vedas, describes music at length. Indian classical music has its origins as a meditation tool for attaining self realization. All different forms of these melodies (Ragas) are believed to affect various “chakras” (energy centers) in the path of the “Kundalini”.
According to the legend, Brahma, a character of the Indian mythology, gave this music to his wife Saraswati. The Veena in her hand is the symbol of this music. Devi Saraswati is not just the knowledge herself but music as well. From Devi Saraswati, music went to Maharishi Narad and it seems to be a musical irony that the connecting link between the two is Veena. Guru Narad taught this music to Gandharvas, Apsaras, Kinnasas (the celestial musician and dancers). Music was destined to come to Man. Music was still in heave and those who brought it to earth were great scholars of music and great inventors and great researchers too. The relentless and continuous efforts of talented musicians are solely responsible for bringing heavenly music to mankind. These musical scholars and performers discovered science, scientific rules and methods, known today as classical music. The classical music is the scientific form of Folk Music
Hindustani music is related to the Northern part of India and is highly influenced by Islamic and Persian culture. The way of singing, Musical instruments and ragas used in Hindustani music are very much similar to that of foreign styles. But both Hindustani music and Carnatic Music Shares the concept of raga and tala. Hindustani music starts with the alap, which is a slow detailing of raga and it may last for some time depending upon the performer. Instrumental music plays a very important role in Hindustani music. Khayal, Dhrupad, Tarana, Tappa, Thumri and Ghazal are some of the important forms of Hindustani music.
Carnatic Music
Carnatic music is one of the oldest forms of classical music and is related to the Southern part of India. The states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu follow Carnatic style of music. It is one of the subclass of Indian classical music, which is mainly associated with the Hindu traditions and is free from other Islamic or Persian influences. Generally, Carnatic music is based on certain Elements like Shruti, Swara, Raga and Tala.
Classical dances of India
India has thousands of year old tradition of fine arts and classical and folk music and dances. Some of the world-famous dance forms that originated and evolved in India are Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniattam and Odissi. All these dance forms use basically the same ‘mudras’ or signs of hand as a common language of expression and were originally performed in the temples to entertain various Gods and Goddesses. They were also effective in carrying forward the various mythological stories from generation to generation while entertaining the audiences. It eventually became a part of ‘Natya Shashtra’, as propounded by Sage Bharata to compile and forge some rules and regulations of entertaining arts.
Bharatnatyam
Bharatnatyam is one of the most popular classical Indian dances. Bharatnatyam is more popular in South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Bharatnatyam dance is almost 2,000 years old. It is believed that Bharatnatyam was revealed by Lord Brahma to Bharata, a famous sage who then codified this sacred dance in a Sanskrit text called the Natya Shastra. The Natya Shastra is one of the fundamental treatises on Indian drama and aesthetics.
Kathak
Kathak is one of the most important classical dances of India. Kathak is said to be derived from the word katha, meaning “the art of storytelling.” The Kathak dance form originated in north India and was very similar to the Bharatnatyam dance form. In ancient India, there were Kathakars or bards who used to recite religious and mythological tales to the accompaniment music, mime and dance.
Kathakali
Kathakali is the classical dance form of Kerala. The word Kathakali literally means “Story-Play”. Kathakali is known for its heavy, elaborate makeup and costumes. In fact, the colorful and fascinating costumes of Kathakali have become the most recognized icon of Kerala. Kathakali is considered as one of the most magnificent theatres of imagination and creativity. Kathakali dance presents themes derived from the Ramayana, The Mahabharata and other Hindu Epics, mythologies and legends.
Kuchipudi
Kuchipudi is one of the classical dance forms of the South India. Kuchipudi derives its name from the Kuchipudi village of Andhra Pradesh. In the seventeenth century the Kuchipudi village was presented to the Brahmins, who were experts in staging dance and drama. Kuchipudi exhibits scenes from the Hindu Epics, legends and mythological tales through a combination of music, dance and acting. Like other classical dances, Kuchipudi also comprises pure dance, mime and histrionics but it is the use of speech that distinguishes Kuchipudi’s presentation as dance drama.
Manipuri
Manipuri is one of the six major classical dances of India. Manipuri dance is indigenous to Manipur, the North eastern state of India. The Manipuri dance style is inextricably woven into the life pattern of Manipuri people. The most striking part of Manipur dance is its colorful decoration, lightness of dancing foot, delicacy of abhinaya (drama), lilting music and poetic charm. The Manipuri dance form is mostly ritualistic and draws heavily from the rich culture of the state of Manipur.,
Indian classical music and dance are two of the most important and celebrated Art Forms in the world. They have a long and rich history, dating back to the ancient Vedic period. Both forms of art are deeply rooted in Hindu culture and philosophy, and they continue to be performed and enjoyed by people all over the world.
Hindustani classical music is one of the oldest and most sophisticated musical traditions in the world. It is divided into two main schools: dhrupad and khayal. Dhrupad is a more austere style, while khayal is more lyrical and expressive. Both styles are based on the use of ragas, which are melodic frameworks that are used to improvise music.
Karnatak music is another important tradition of Indian classical music. It is similar to Hindustani music in many ways, but it has its own unique characteristics. For example, Karnatak music is more rhythmically complex than Hindustani music, and it uses a different set of ragas.
Ghazal is a type of Urdu poetry that is set to music. It is often sung in a slow, soulful style, and it is often accompanied by a tabla player. Ghazals are typically about love, loss, and longing.
Qawwali is a type of Sufi devotional music that is popular in Pakistan and India. It is characterized by its use of call-and-response vocals, its rhythmic drumming, and its ecstatic Atmosphere. Qawwali is often performed at Sufi shrines, and it is said to have the power to transport listeners to a state of spiritual ecstasy.
Classical Indian dance is just as diverse and complex as classical Indian Music. There are many different styles of classical Indian dance, each with its own unique history and traditions. Some of the most popular styles of classical Indian dance include Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathakali, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Chhau/”>Chhau, Yakshagana/”>Yakshagana, Lavani, Ghoomar, Kalbelia, Dandiya Raas, Garba, Bhangra, and Sattriya.
Each style of classical Indian dance has its own unique set of costumes, music, and choreography. Bharatanatyam is a South Indian dance that is known for its intricate footwork and expressive facial expressions. Odissi is another South Indian dance that is known for its graceful movements and beautiful costumes. Kathakali is a North Indian dance that is known for its elaborate masks and dramatic performances. Manipuri is a dance from the northeastern state of Manipur that is known for its acrobatic feats and martial arts movements. Kuchipudi is a dance from the Andhra Pradesh region that is known for its intricate footwork and storytelling. Mohiniyattam is a dance from the Kerala region that is known for its sensual movements and portrayal of the Hindu goddesses. Chhau is a dance from the eastern states of West Bengal and Jharkhand that is known for its masked performances and martial arts movements. Yakshagana is a dance from the coastal state of Karnataka that is known for its colorful costumes and dramatic performances. Lavani is a dance from the Maharashtra region that is known for its lively music and energetic performances. Ghoomar is a dance from the Rajasthan region that is known for its swirling skirts and graceful movements. Kalbelia is a dance from the Rajasthan region that is known for its fast-paced music and acrobatic movements. Dandiya Raas is a dance from the Gujarat region that is known for its energetic music and colorful costumes. Garba is a dance from the Gujarat region that is known for its devotional music and lively atmosphere. Bhangra is a dance from the Punjab region that is known for its energetic music and lively atmosphere. Sattriya is a dance from the Assam region that is known for its intricate footwork and religious themes.
Classical Indian music and dance are two of the most important and celebrated art forms in the world. They have a long and rich history, dating back to the ancient Vedic period. Both forms of art are deeply rooted in Hindu culture and philosophy, and they continue to be performed and enjoyed by people all over the world.
Here are some frequently asked questions about classical music and dances of India:
- What are the different types of classical music in India?
There are two main types of classical music in India: Hindustani music and Carnatic music. Hindustani music is the classical music of North India, while Carnatic music is the classical music of South India. Both types of music have a long and rich history, and they are both very popular in India.
- What are the different types of classical dances in India?
There are many different types of classical dances in India, but some of the most popular include Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Mohiniyattam. Bharatanatyam is a classical dance from South India that is known for its intricate footwork and hand gestures. Kathak is a classical dance from North India that is known for its fast footwork and acrobatics. Mohiniyattam is a classical dance from Kerala that is known for its graceful movements and expressive facial expressions.
- What are the instruments used in classical music and dances of India?
There are many different instruments used in classical music and dances of India, but some of the most common include the sitar, the tabla, and the veena. The sitar is a stringed instrument that is played with a plectrum. The tabla is a pair of drums that are played with the hands. The veena is a stringed instrument that is played with the fingers.
- What are the costumes worn in classical music and dances of India?
The costumes worn in classical music and dances of India vary depending on the type of dance and the region of India. However, some common elements include bright colors, intricate embroidery, and flowing fabrics.
- What are the roles of men and Women in classical music and dances of India?
Men and women both play important roles in classical music and dances of India. In some types of dance, such as Bharatanatyam, women are the primary performers. In other types of dance, such as Kathak, both men and women perform. In classical music, both men and women are composers, performers, and teachers.
- What are the social and cultural functions of classical music and dances of India?
Classical music and dances of India play an important role in Society/”>Indian Society and culture. They are used for entertainment, for religious ceremonies, and for social gatherings. They are also a way for people to express their emotions and to connect with their culture.
- What are the challenges facing classical music and dances of India?
One of the biggest challenges facing classical music and dances of India is the lack of government support. The government does not provide enough funding for classical music and dance schools, and it does not do enough to promote these art forms. This has led to a decline in the number of people who are interested in Learning classical music and dance.
Another challenge facing classical music and dances of India is the popularity of Western music and dance. Many young people in India are more interested in Western music and dance than in traditional Indian music and dance. This is because Western music and dance is often seen as being more modern and more exciting.
Despite these challenges, classical music and dances of India continue to be popular in India. They are an important part of Indian culture, and they are a source of pride for many Indians.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a classical dance form of India?
(A) Bharatanatyam
(B) Kathak
(C) Kuchipudi
(D) Kathakali
Answer
(D) Kathakali is a classical dance form of Kerala, India. The other three Options are classical dance forms of India.
Question 2
Which of the following is not a classical music genre of India?
(A) Hindustani music
(B) Carnatic music
(C) Qawwali
(D) Bhangra
Answer
(D) Bhangra is a folk music genre of Punjab, India. The other three options are classical music genres of India.
Question 3
Which of the following is not a musical instrument used in Indian classical music?
(A) Sitar
(B) Sarod
(C) Tabla
(D) Guitar
Answer
(D) Guitar is a Western musical instrument. The other three options are musical instruments used in Indian classical music.
Question 4
Which of the following is not a raga of Indian classical music?
(A) Bhairavi
(B) Yaman
(C) Khamaj
(D) Rock
Answer
(D) Rock is a Western musical genre. The other three options are ragas of Indian classical music.
Question 5
Which of the following is not a taal of Indian classical music?
(A) Teen taal
(B) Dadra
(C) Jhumra
(D) Rap
Answer
(D) Rap is a Western musical genre. The other three options are taals of Indian classical music.