The tradition of Indian classical music can be traced back to ancient times. References to music recitals are found in Ramayana, Mahabharata and Indian Mythology. The Sanskrit quote "Samavedadidam geetam sanjagraha pitamaha" meaning, music was obtained by the ancestors/great-grandfather from Samaveda (3rd of the Hindu scriptures) suggests the origin of music in Samaveda, thus giving the credit to Lord Bramhadeva the Creator.
While some consider Goddess Saraswati with Veena (a musical instrument) as the mother of Indian classical music some believe Lord Shiva to be the creator of music. After killing the demon 'Vrutrasur' Lord Shiva did the victory dance known as 'Tandava nritya' and Lord Ganesha provided the rhythm. Indra, the king of Gods was often entertained in his heavenly court by Gandharvas singing, beautiful 'Apsaras' dancing and 'Tumbaru' playing the drums. Narada brought this heavenly art of music to this earth.
Such legends suggest that Indian classical
music dates back to ancient times.
There are seven main swara (Notes) in Hindustani music. These are: Sa (Shadja) - Re (Rishabha) - Ga (Gaandhara) - Ma (Madhyama) - Pa (Panchama) - Dha (Dhaivata) - Ni (Nishaadha)
There are also five intermediate notes. The one between Sa and Re is called "Komal Re", between Re and Ga is "Komal Ga", between Pa and Dha is "Komal Dha", and between Dha and Ni is "Komal Ni" and the last note lies between Ma and Pa and it is called "Tivra Ma".
The total 12 swaras' are: Sa - Komal Re - Re - Komal Ga - Ga - Ma - Tivra Ma - Pa - Komal Dha - Dha - Komal Ni - Ni
Raga is most simply described as a subset of these swaras', usually from five to eight swaras', together with a set of rules to combine them effectively and create a particular mood. Each Raga has a name. It also has a character, which can be, for example, devotional, erotic, bold and valorous, or tragic. And a Raga usually comes with a time of day when it is best performed, usually specified as a 3 hour interval. Some Ragas are related to seasons, for example, the Malhar ragas are performed mainly in the monsoon season, and then they can be sung at any time.
Given a Raga, there exist several compositions, more or less like songs (with words), which obey the rules of that Raga and effectively convey its mood. It is common for the words to assist in conveying the mood. For example, monsoon-related Ragas will have compositions that describe the gathering clouds, the falling raindrops, the lightning and thunder.
The songs which are sung in classical music have many types. Before we go in to details let us understand what basic features a song must have. This is beautifully defined in the Sanskrit verse below:
Suswarm Surasam chaiva Madhuram Madhuraksharam
Salankaram
pramanamcha shadvaryam geet lakshnam
This means a song should have proper ingrediants of swara, rasa, akshara, raaga, alankar and laya. The various types of songs which are in use since ancient times are as below:
1.
Prabandha
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2. Dhrupad
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3. Khyaal
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4. Chaturang
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5.
Trivat
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6. Hori
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7. Tappa
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8. Thumari
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9.
Tarana
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10 Gazal
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11 Kavvali
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12 Lavani
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13
Bhajan
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14 Povada
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15 Lakshan geet
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16 Sargam geet
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It is not the purpose of this website to go into the details of each type. If the student is aware of these types and has an inclinations to learn some of the above mentioned type of songs you can now learn.
You will also have a opportunity to
learn light songs, children songs, film songs. You will be surprised
to notice that you can learn these songs along with harmonium or key
board and tabla for rhythm from a teacher who may be thousands of kilometers
away.
What are you waiting for? Go ahead and ask 4 music teacher .