Music of South Asia

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Location of South Asia. South Asia common definition.jpg
Location of South Asia.

South Asian music comprises a range of prominent musical genres and styles that are unique to the countries in and around the Indian subcontinent. This subregion of Asia includes countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, with each region one possessing its own distinct musical traditions. South Asian styles of music reflect a diverse range of local customs, regional languages and historical traditions, that have shaped the musical practices which are still seen today. [1] Throughout history, South Asian musicians have emulated religious and spiritual beliefs into their compositions, resulting in the creation of musical styles such as Qawwali, Ghazal and Hindustani classical music. The development of forms of mass media in the 1980s and 1990s contributed to a new type of South Asian musical culture, as the rise of cinema and television resulted in the popularity of genres such as Bollywood and Lollywood. As a result of social media and modern streaming networks, folk and ritual music styles are still widely appreciated today, with many modern artists taking inspiration from the classical traditions that defined the history of South Asian music. [2]

Contents

Classical music

A classical Indian music performance A classical Indian music performance.jpg
A classical Indian music performance

Hindustani classical music and carnatic classical music

The foundations of South Asian classical music can be traced back to forms of Vedic literature, based on ancient Sanskrit scriptures and religious texts that were vital to Hinduism in India. The scriptures were significant in the creation of two broad categories of classical music in South Asia, Hindustani classical music and Carnatic classical music. Hindustani classical music is commonly listened to in areas such as Northern India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, and includes some influences from Arabic and Persian music. On the other hand, Carnatic classical music is more popular in regions such as Souther India and Sri Lanka, and consists of ancient religious and spiritual hymns that take close inspiration from Vedic literature.This style of music developed mostly independent of Islamic and Persian influences and is regarded as being closer to the ancient roots of the Vedas . [3] There are also many other types of classical music that are less focused on Sanskrit scriptures, and are prominent in areas such as Nepal, Kashmir, Afghanistan and northeastern India, for example Sufi music and Klasik. [4]

Classical Musician Guru Bijaya Kumar Barik playing the Odissi Mardala Guru Bijaya Kumar Barik plays the Odissi Mardala.jpg
Classical Musician Guru Bijaya Kumar Barik playing the Odissi Mardala

Sufi music

Sufi poetry and literature based on Islamic principles gave rise to forms of Sufi music that are still prominent throughout Afghanistan, Pakistan and north India. Historically, some types of Sufi music were based on the practice of 'sama', which views the recitation of music as a form of spiritual ecstasy and a pathway to being closer to religion. Qawwali is one of the most prominent forms of Sufi music, and consists of rich poetry and melodious vocals that are commonly performed in languages such as Persian, Urdu and Hindi and Punjabi. In the past[ when? ], Qawwalis were often performed in a shrine setting, with the singers and audiences seated in a circular or rectangular arrangement, and listeners responding to the devotional music with gifts of money or other ritual offerings. Following the 1970s and 1980s, Qawwali became well known as a concert genre, with artists such as the Sabri Brothers and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan gaining immense success and worldwide popularity. [5]

Raga and the tala

South Asian classical music is generally based on two core principals: the raga and the tala. A raga refers to the melodic structure used by musicians to compose and perform a song. These melodies include certain notes, tones and rhythms that are put together by the musician to display emotions through their compositions. A tala, refers to the musical meter that is used in a song, or the beat used to measure time in music. Historically, the tala was often created through physical gestures such as hand clapping or beating the hand against a drum, or directly by using percussion instruments. [3]

Influences

Religious

The Qawwali singer Javed Bashir on stage in Oslo Javid Bashir.jpg
The Qawwali singer Javed Bashir on stage in Oslo

Music and faith have a strong relationship in many of the prominent religions in South Asia, including Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. In many South Asian cultures, music has been viewed as a uniting force that has helped in resolving conflicts between religious sects, and a pathway for intensifying prayer and worship. In Islam and Hinduism, religious music is not just limited to genres such as Qawwali, but also includes the generation of loud sounds to unite people in prayer, for example Hindu temple music or the Adhan (call to prayer) in Islam. Sacred music in South Asia is closely related to religious rituals, as Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries are often used as gathering spaces to recite spiritual hymns and chants. [6] Apart from Qawwali, there are many other forms of devotional music that are significant in South Asia. For example, Hindus perform Bhajan as a part of their religious ceremonies, while in Sikhism, Kirtan is used as a practice for reciting religious texts.

Cultural

South Asian Muslim poet, Allama Iqbal Allama Iqbal.jpg
South Asian Muslim poet, Allama Iqbal

With different South Asian countries having their own distinct languages and societal structures, cultural traditions have become deeply intertwined with musical practices. The origin of culturally-distinct musical styles dates back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, with several bow-shaped harps and drums being found, carved within the steatite seals that were recovered from the region. Today, music has become a unique form of expression within different cultural groups and social systems in India. In rural villages in north India, songs are passed down generationally, and are often used in relation to agriculture to display gratitude for a successful harvest. [7] Furthermore, many culturally-specific music genres in India take inspiration from significant social events or historical figures. For example, in Karnatak music, the experiences of M.S. Subbulakshmi which reflected the struggles faced by Indian women in public spaces resulted in her becoming a national emblem of a distinct style of traditional music culture. [5]

Political

In many South Asian countries, music is often used as a tool to amass wide-scale support for particular political ideologies or notions, or as a form of promoting the messages of political groups and organizations. One of the first prominent forms of political music in Pakistan was Allama Iqbal's Shikwa (grand complaint), a controversial series of poems that criticized God for not fulfilling the obligation of protecting the followers of Islam. Similarly, the Vande Mataram was originally written as an Indian political protest song against their British colonizers, and was used to rally anti-English sentiments across the subcontinent. Many modern musicians still utilize music as a way to convey political messages. For example, in 2016, the Indian rock band 'Motorcycle Shayaries' used their song 'Holi Hai', as a protest song to criticize several aspects of traditional Indian culture.

Early pioneers

Classical

Statue of Indian poet Jayadeva in Odisha, India Idol of Jayadeba at Jayadeba Pitha, Kendubilwa, Odisha.jpg
Statue of Indian poet Jayadeva in Odisha, India

Jayadeva from the Odisha region, who lived around the time period of 1100 A.D., is one of the earliest pioneers of Indian classical music. He was a poet most known for writing the “Gītagovinda,” and gave his poems a musical quality through the principles of raga and tala. His work was representative of Hindu devotional poems and he continues to be honored at religious festivals today. [8]

Portrait of Tansen from the National Museum in New Delhi, India Tansen of Gwalior. (11.8x6.7cm) Mughal. 1585-90. National Museum, New Delhi..jpg
Portrait of Tansen from the National Museum in New Delhi, India

Ramtanu Pandey, also known as Tansen, changed classical North Indian music by blending ancient Indian styles with Persian and Arabian influences. He was from the modern-day Madhya Pradesh region of India around 1500. As a musician, Tansen created new ragas such as Darbadri Todi and Mian-ki-Mallar. [8] He may have created the new instrument known as the rabāb, but this is most likely untrue with little evidence to support this. [9]

Abu’l Hasan Yamīn ud-Dīn Khusrau, or Amīr Khusrau (1295-1316 A.D.), was a poet and musician born in the modern-day Uttar Pradesh region of India. [10] He influenced Indian music by creating new ragas such as Hāfī and Iman and changed Indian classical instrument use by making changes to the vina to create the sitar. He also changed Islamic music with the new Qawwali singing style. [8]

Modern

Indian Musician Ali Akbar Khan, pictured on Indian stamps, 2014 Ali Akbar Khan 2014 stampsheet of India cr.jpg
Indian Musician Ali Akbar Khan, pictured on Indian stamps, 2014

Ali Akbar Khan (April 14, 1922 - June 18, 2009) was born in Bengal presidency, British India and was a composer recognized for his music on the sarod. He popularized Indian classical music by bringing it to the West and was recognized for his contributions to music with a MacArthur Foundation fellowship in 1991. He also composed music for cinema, such as for Devi (1960). [11]

Ravi Shankar (April 7, 1920 - December 7, 2012) was a musician and composer from Varanasi, India (previously known as Benares). He was known for his music on the sitar and also helped to bring Indian classical music to the West by collaborating with popular Western artists Yehudi Menuhin, George Harrison, John Coltrane, and Philip Glass. [12] He also composed for the Apu film series (1955-1969). He was recognized with Grammy Awards for his West Meets East (1966) album and the Praemium Imperiale music award in 1997. [12] His children are all associated with music and his daughters Anoushka Shankar and Norah Jones are also Grammy Award recipients.

Ravi Shankar with sitar, 2009 Ravi Shankar 2009.jpg
Ravi Shankar with sitar, 2009
Name Of InstrumentDescriptionImage
Tabla Percussion instrument set of 2 separate drums. The two drums are called Bayan (left hand) and Dayan (right hand). [13]
Tabla, an Indian instrument Prop. Tabla.jpg
Tabla, an Indian instrument
Sitar Stringed instrument similar to Tambūra. Made of a goard attached to a fingerboard. The fingerboard has 9-16 frets, 7 main strings, and 11-12 strings that are parallel to the main strings under the frets. [13]
Sitar, Indian instrument Sitar full.jpg
Sitar, Indian instrument
Tambūra Stringed instrument similar to the Veena, without the second goard. The 4 strings are played by hand with plucking motions. [13]
Tambura or Tamburi, Indian instrument Tampuri.jpg
Tambūra or Tamburi, Indian instrument
Sarod Stringed instrument similar to the Sitar but without frets. Made of a double body and fingerboard with 6 main strings and 11-12 other strings. Played by holding the instrument horizontally on the lap and with a plectrum held in one hand to pluck the strings. [13]
Sarod, Indian instrument Sarod MET DP-14177-001.jpg
Sarod, Indian instrument
Veena Stringed instrument made of a main body attached to a smaller gourd. There are 24 frets, 4 main strings, and 3 other strings. Played by holding the instrument with the small gourd on the left thigh, left arm under the neck with fingers on frets, and using plucking motions. [13]
Veena, Indian instrument Veena.png
Veena, Indian instrument
Shehnai Woodwind instrument similar to an oboe. It has a metal bell at the end. On the body, there are 8-9 holes and a reed at top. [13]
Shehnai, Indian instrument Shehnai.jpg
Shehnai, Indian instrument
Sarangi Stringed instrument similar to a cello. There are 4 strings attached that can be adjusted with knobs. Played with a bow by holding the instrument in the left hand and using the bow with the right hand, and while standing. [14]
Sarangi, instrument used in Indian, Nepali, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi music Sarangi MET MUS1409A2.jpg
Sarangi, instrument used in Indian, Nepali, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi music
HarmoniumPercussion instrument. Played by using one hand to play the keyboard and one hand to pump the bellows in the back. [7]
Harmonium, instrument used in classical Indian, Sufi, and Ghazal music Harmonium 20151009 (23914086965).jpg
Harmonium, instrument used in classical Indian, Sufi, and Ghazal music
Dhol Percussion instrument made of a two-sided drum. Played with the use of two bamboo sticks, one heavier for one side and one lighter for the other. [15] Commonly used in bhangra style music and performance.
Dhol, Indian instrument Dhol - Indian Drum.jpg
Dhol, Indian instrument

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Music of India</span>

Owing to India's vastness and diversity, Indian music encompasses numerous genres in multiple varieties and forms which include classical music, folk, rock, and pop. It has a history spanning several millennia and developed over several geo-locations spanning the sub-continent. Music in India began as an integral part of socio-religious life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Religious music</span> Music intended for religious purpose

Religious music is a type of music that is performed or composed for religious use or through religious influence. It may overlap with ritual music, which is music, sacred or not, performed or composed for or as ritual. Religious songs have been described as a source of strength, as well as a means of easing pain, improving one's mood, and assisting in the discovery of meaning in one's suffering. While style and genre vary broadly across traditions, religious groups still share a variety of musical practices and techniques.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carnatic music</span> Music genre originating in southern India

Carnatic music, known as Karnāṭaka saṃgīta or Karnāṭaka saṅgītam in the South Indian languages, is a system of music commonly associated with South India, including the modern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. It is one of two main subgenres of Indian classical music that evolved from ancient Hindu texts and traditions, particularly the Samaveda. The other subgenre is Hindustani music, which emerged as a distinct form because of Persian or Islamic influences from Northern India. The main emphasis in Carnatic music is on vocal music; most compositions are written to be sung, and even when played on instruments, they are meant to be performed in gāyaki (singing) style.

<i>Raga</i> Melodic mode of improvisation in Indian music

A raga is a melodic framework for improvisation in Indian classical music akin to a melodic mode. Rāga is central to classical Indian music and a unique feature of the tradition: no equivalent concept exists in Western classical music. Each rāga consists of an array of melodic structures with musical motifs; and, from the perspective of the Indian tradition, the resulting music has the ability to "colour the mind" as it engages the emotions of the audience.

Khyal or Khayal is a major form of Hindustani classical music in the Indian subcontinent. Its name comes from a Persian/Arabic word meaning "imagination". Khyal is associated with romantic poetry, and allows the performer greater freedom of expression than dhrupad. In khyal, ragas are extensively ornamented, and the style calls for more technical virtuosity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian classical music</span> Classical music from the Indian subcontinent

Indian Classical Music is the classical music of the Indian Subcontinent. It is generally described using terms like Marg Sangeet and Shastriya Sangeet. It has two major traditions: the North Indian classical music known as Hindustani and the South Indian expression known as Carnatic. These traditions were not distinct until about the 15th century. During the period of Mughal rule of the Indian subcontinent, the traditions separated and evolved into distinct forms. Hindustani music emphasizes improvisation and exploration of all aspects of a raga, while Carnatic performances tend to be short composition-based. However, the two systems continue to have more common features than differences. Another unique classical music tradition from the eastern part of India is Odissi music, which has evolved over the last two thousand years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thumri</span> Vocal style in Indian music

Thumri is a vocal genre or style of Indian music. The term "thumri" is derived from the Hindi verb thumuknaa, which means "to walk with a dancing gait in such a way that the ankle-bells tinkle." The form is, thus, connected with dance, dramatic gestures, mild eroticism, evocative love poetry and folk songs, especially from Uttar Pradesh, though there are regional variations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Music of Bangladesh</span>

The music of Bangladesh spans a wide variety of styles. Bangladesh claims some of the most renowned singers, composers and producers in Asia. Music has served the purpose of documenting the lives of the people and was widely patronized by the rulers. It comprises a long tradition of religious and regular song-writing over a period of almost a millennium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Music of Afghanistan</span>

The music of Afghanistan comprises many varieties of classical music, folk music, and modern popular music. Afghanistan has a rich musical heritage and features a mix of Persian melodies, Indian compositional principles, and sounds from ethnic groups such as the Pashtuns, Tajiks and Hazaras. Instruments used range from Indian tablas to long-necked lutes. Afghanistan's classical music is closely related to Hindustani classical music while sourcing much of its lyrics directly from classical Persian poetry such as Mawlana Balkhi (Rumi) and the Iranian tradition indigenous to central Asia. Lyrics throughout most of Afghanistan are typically in Dari (Persian) and Pashto. The multi-ethnic city of Kabul has long been the regional cultural capital, but outsiders have tended to focus on the city of Herat, which is home to traditions more closely related to Iranian music than in the rest of the country.

The Music of Pakistan includes diverse elements ranging from music from various parts of South Asia as well as Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and modern-day Western popular music influences. With these multiple influences, a distinctive Pakistani music has emerged.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Qawwali</span> Sufi devotional music from South Asia

Qawwali is a form of Sufi Islamic devotional singing originating in South Asia. Originally performed at Sufi shrines or dargahs throughout South Asia, it is famous throughout Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan and has also gained mainstream popularity and an international audience as of the late 20th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tansen</span> Hindustani musician and composer (c. 1493 1500–1589)

Ramtanu Pandey, popularly referred to as Mian Tansen, or Sangeet Samrat, was a Hindustani classical musician. Born into a Hindu Gaur Brahmin family, he learnt and perfected his art in the northwest region of modern Madhya Pradesh. He began his career and spent most of his adult life in the court and patronage of the Hindu king of Rewa, Raja Ramchandra Singh, where Tansen's musical abilities and studies gained widespread fame. This reputation brought him to the attention of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, who sent messengers to Raja Ramchandra Singh, requesting Tansen to join the musicians at the Mughal court. Tansen did not want to go, but Raja Ramchandra Singh encouraged him to gain a wider audience and sent him along with gifts for Akbar. In 1562, at about the age of 60, the Vaishnava musician Tansen joined Akbar's court, and his performances became the subject of many court historians.

Hindustani classical music is the classical music of the Indian subcontinent's northern regions. It may also be called North Indian classical music or Bhartiya shastriya sangeet. The term shastriya sangeet literally means classical music, and is also used to refer to Indian classical music in general. It is played on instruments like the veena, sitar and sarod. It diverged in the 12th century CE from Carnatic music, the classical tradition of Southern India. While Carnatic music largely uses compositions written in Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindustani music largely uses compositions written in Hindi, Urdu, Braj, Avadhi, Bhojpuri, Rajasthani, Marathi and Punjabi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Islamic music</span> Musical traditions of the Muslim world

Islamic music may refer to religious music, as performed in Islamic public services or private devotions, or more generally to musical traditions of the Muslim world. The heartland of Islam is the Middle East, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, Balkans, and West Africa, Iran, Central Asia, and South Asia. Due to Islam being a multi-ethnic religion, the musical expression of its adherents is vastly diverse. Indigenous traditions of various part have influenced the musical styles popular among Muslims today. The word "music" in Arabic, the language of Islam, is defined more narrowly than in English or some other languages, and "its concept" was at least originally "reserved for secular art music; separate names and concepts belonged to folk songs and to religious chants".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kafi</span> Classical Sufi music originating from the Punjab and Sindh

Kafi is a classical form of Sufi music in the Punjabi and Sindhi languages that originated from the Punjab and Sindh regions of South Asia. Some well-known Kafi poets are Baba Farid, Bulleh Shah, Shah Hussain, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Sachal Sarmast and Khwaja Ghulam Farid. This poetry style has also lent itself to the Kafi genre of singing, popular throughout South Asia, especially Pakistan, Bangladesh and India. Over the years, both Kafi poetry and its rendition have experienced rapid growth phases as various poets and vocalists added their own influences to the form, creating a rich and varied poetic form, yet through it all it remained centered on the dialogue between the Soul and the Creator, symbolized by the murid (disciple) and his Murshid (Master), and often by lover and his Beloved.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Klasik</span> Classical music of Afghanistan

The classical music of Afghanistan is called klasik, which includes both instrumental and vocal forms (ghazals). Many ustad, or professional musicians, are descended from Indian artists who emigrated to the royal court in Kabul in the 1860s upon the invitation of Amir Sher Ali Khan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sufi music</span> Devotional music of the Sufis

Sufi music refers to the devotional music of the Sufis, inspired by the works of Sufi poets like Rumi, Hafiz, Bulleh Shah, Amir Khusrow, and Khwaja Ghulam Farid.

<i>Tabla</i> Indian pair of hand drums

A tabla is a pair of hand drums from the Indian subcontinent. Since the 18th century, it has been the principal percussion instrument in Hindustani classical music, where it may be played solo, as an accompaniment with other instruments and vocals, or as a part of larger ensembles. It is frequently played in popular and folk music performances in India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The tabla is an essential instrument in the bhakti devotional traditions of Hinduism and Sikhism, such as during bhajan and kirtan singing. It is one of the main qawwali instruments used by Sufi musicians. The instrument is also featured in dance performances such as Kathak. Tabla is a rhythmic instrument.

Ustad Bahauddin Khan Qawwal was a Pakistani Qawwali musician.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian harmonium</span> Indian free-reed organ musical instrument

The Indian harmonium,hand harmonium,samvadini, peti ("box"), or baja, often just called a harmonium, is a small and portable hand-pumped reed organ which is very popular in the Indian subcontinent. The sound resembles an accordion or other bellows driven free-reed aerophones.

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