Regional Diversities in Classical Music and Folk Influences in Classical Music
Indian classical music boasts two main traditions: Carnatic music, primarily flourishing in the southern regions, and Hindustani music, which holds sway in the northern, eastern, and central parts of the country. The tonal structure of Indian classical music diverges from its Western counterpart by dividing the octave into 22 segments known as Shrutis, each roughly equivalent to a quarter of a whole tone. These Shrutis lay the foundation for the intricate and nuanced melodies woven in both Carnatic and Hindustani traditions.
Central to the musical landscape are the seven notes known as Sapta Svaras or Sapta Sur: Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, and Ni. These notes correspond to Shadja, Rishabha, Gandhara, Madhyama, Panchama, Dhaivata, and Nishada, offering an Eastern counterpart to the Western Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti.
These seven Svaras serve as the bedrock of a raga, representing the fundamental building blocks of Indian classical music. In their unaltered state, they are referred to as Shuddha Svaras. However, variations in these notes give rise to Komal and Tivra Svaras, introducing subtle nuances and emotional depth to the musical composition. An interesting facet of these Svaras is that Sa and Pa remain steadfast in their original position, earning them the moniker “Achal Svaras,” while Ra, Ga, Ma, Dha, and Ni are known as “Chal Svaras” as they have the ability to move from their original positions, contributing to the dynamic nature of the music.
Carnatic music, dating back to the 14th-15th centuries AD, originated in South India during the Vijayanagar Empire’s rule, notably through the compositions of Purandara Dasa. Similar to Hindustani music, it is melodic with improvised variations but features more fixed compositions. The focus is on vocals, with most pieces written to be sung, even when played on instruments, adopting a singing style (gāyaki). Key elements include Raga Alapana, Kalpanaswaram, Neraval, and, for advanced students, Ragam Thanam Pallavi. Around 300 ragams are in use today.
Annamayya is recognized as the first composer in Carnatic music, often called the Godfather of Telugu song-writing. Purandara Dasa is regarded as the father of Carnatic music, with Tyagaraja, Shyama Shastry, and Muthuswami Dikshitar forming the trinity. Notable artists include Tiger Varadachariyar, Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar (a key contributor to the concert format), Palghat Mani Iyer, MS Subbulakshmi, Lalgudi Jayaraman, Balamuralikrishna, K J Yesudas, and others.
The annual eight-week-long Music Season in Chennai, India, held every December, is the world’s largest cultural event. Carnatic music has not only shaped South Indian music, including folk and festival genres but has also influenced film music over the past 100–150 years.
Tamang Selo is a musical genre cherished by the Tamang people and popular among Nepali speakers in West Bengal, Sikkim, India, and globally. Accompanied by traditional Tamang instruments like Madal, Damphu, and Tungna, it can be lively or melodious. Modern instruments are also used nowadays. Tamang Selo songs convey a range of emotions and everyday stories, reflecting sorrow, love, and happiness. Hira Devi Waiba, hailed as the pioneer of Nepali folk songs and Tamang Selo, recorded the first-ever Tamang Selo, titled ‘Chura ta Hoina Astura.’ Her legacy is carried on by her son Satya Aditya Waiba and Navneet Aditya Waiba, who produce authentic traditional Nepali folk songs without modernization.
The roots of Indian folk music can be traced back to the Vedic literature, dating around 1500 BC, making some experts believe it could be as old as the nation itself. An example is Pandavani, a folk tradition in Central India, thought to be as ancient as the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Pandavani’s enduring subject, focusing on the heroic deeds of Bhima from Mahabharata, strengthens this claim, suggesting its age could parallel the epic’s ancient origins. Folk songs, initially documented in the absence of paper, found extensive use for entertainment and marking special occasions like weddings, births, and festivals. They also served as a means to pass on crucial information through generations, becoming a valuable repository of historical knowledge before the advent of written records.
The cultural diversity of India mirrors itself in folk music, with variations in style and perception across different states. While the core purpose
and origin of folk music remain consistent, its rendition and significance differ based on regional cultures. Eminent poets and writers from diverse regions have contributed to the rich tapestry of folk songs. For instance, Bengal’s Rabindra Sangeet, a collection of songs, stems from the creativity of poet Rabindranath Tagore. Folk songs have played a vital role in socio-religious reforms, with leaders like Adi Shankaracharya employing them to spread messages across the nation. These songs, often tied to specific dances, became identifiers for villages and regions, celebrated as cultural treasures. Today, every Indian state boasts its own unique folk song, many coupled with distinctive dance forms, reflecting the varied cultural landscapes across the country.
India has a bunch of folk music styles that mirror its diverse cultural flavors. In Punjab, there’s Bhangra, a lively dance music that’s got a traditional touch. Giddha, a dance by women, also adds to the local vibe. Heading to Assam, Bihu, a festival in mid-April, brings songs and dances that welcome the spring season. They use drums, wind instruments, and have a lot of energy. Borgeets, some lyrical songs, kick off prayer services there.
Down in Gujarat, there’s Dandiya, a dance where people use sticks. It’s part of the cultural scene, along with Garba, connected to Navratri. In Tamil Nadu, there’s Gaana, a kind of rap that’s been around for a couple of centuries. Gaana songs, talking about life’s ups and downs, have made their way into weddings, stage shows, and even Tamil movies. Each of these music types has its own story, adding a bit of local culture to the bigger Indian picture.