Question

Hindustani Classical music differs from Carnatic music in many aspects. Discuss.

Answer 1

Approach:

1. Give a brief introduction on the classical music of India.
2. Mention the features of Carnatic music.
3. Mention the features of Hindustani music.
4. Provide appropriate conclusion.

Classical Music of India:
The two main types of Indian classical music are Carnatic music and Hindustani music. Carnatic music developed in the southern part of India while the Hindustani developed in Northern India. Both of them follows a rich tradition for over a long period of time.

Carnatic Music:

• Based on Ragas and Talas.
• More importance to vocal music than instruments.
• The Carnatic music is sung through composition.
• Violin, Mridangam, and tambura are used as musical instruments.
• It consists of highly devotional content praising Gods
• Carnatic music has styles such as that of Madurai Mani Iyer and G.N.Balasubramaniam

Hindustani Music:

• Based on Ragas which is a combination of seven basic notes.
• Different combinations are formed by these notes.
• Ascent and Descent of the raga gives a distinct character to ragas.
• Khyal and Dhrupad are two major compositions of Hindustani music.
• Dhrupad is older than the Khayal form.
• Hindustani has different shailey.
• Sarangi is the main musical instrument.

Conclusion:
Both types of music have their own uniqueness. They also have similarities like pattern of melody mode and rhythmic cycle of singing. The basic elements of swara and tala exists in both the types. Thus Carnatic and Hindustani music holds ground in their own places of influence even to this day.