Hindustani music : Music that brought down rains and lit lamps - Hindustani Shastriya Sangeet.

Hindustani music is a form of classical music, popular in the northern states of

India. It is generally vocal-centric, but instrumental concerts are exclusively

given too. This form of music was encouraged during the period of the

Mughals and the Delhi Sultans. Therefore, historians say that this culture has

Afghani influences too.

We have all heard of Mian Tansen, one of the Navaratnas in Akbar’s court. His

interesting stories inspire people to pursue Hindustani music to this day.

Tansen brought down rain when he performed Raag Megh Malhar. It is also

said that his rendition of Raag Deepak lit lamps. Some stories suggest Tansen

could also tame wild animals with his music.

Aren’t we wondering what raagas are?

A raaga is a melodic framework. It is a collection of pitches and sounds put

together with specific formulae. Each raga has its specialty in all aspects.

Raagas are divided into ‘raaginis’ or ‘children raagas’. Like the Mela Kartha

system in Carnatic music, the Thaat system in Hindustani is the base for all the

raagas.

But how did all this start?

Both Carnatic and Hindustani Music have their roots in the Sama Veda.

Hindustani music is different from Carnatic music though, because of the

influence of other cultures. In Hindustani music, they have something called

‘Bandishes’. Bandishes are small poems of 2-4 lines. The vocalist sings the

same lines for hours. This means the vocalist delves into the depth of the

raaga to experience its beauty; much like meditation, being soulfully involved

in something till it gives utmost pleasure and peace.

There are many forms in Hindustani music of which Dhrupad is the most

ancient. The next form is ‘Khayal’ which means ‘imagination’. Then comes the

simplified version, ‘Thumri’ (semi-classical). There are many other forms like

Tappa, Hori, Khajri, Chaithi, Jula, Ghazals, etc...

Hindustani music has various ‘Gharanas’. Gharana is a style of presentation of

music. Kirana, Gwalior and Patiala are some gharanas. They’re named after

places, and villages, where they originated. Initially, only the people of that

place practiced those gharanas. Eventually, the knowledge was transferred to

other people through the Guru Shishya Parampara. The artiste then calls it

‘their gharana’. Mian Tansen’s gharana was Gwalior.

Tanpura/Tamburi is the base instrument in Hindustani music. Vocalists are

always accompanied by the Tanpura. Even in instrumental concerts, like

Bansuri (flute) concerts, the base instrument is Tamburi. There is no Indian

classical music without the Tamburi.

Instruments in general are classified as wind, string, and percussion

instruments. Bansuri and harmonium are popular Hindustani wind

instruments; while the Tabla is a popularly used percussion instrument in

Hindustani concerts. According to Parveen Sultana ji (Hindustani musician),

“Classical music is the mother of all types of music”.

The best part about the Guru-shishya Parampara is that it is not merely music

that’s taught by the gurus; life skills, which make people better humans are

taught too. The first lesson that’s taught is to sit straight for hours, the art of

patience. They give immense importance to Riyaaz (practice); hence the art

form teaches dedication and discipline.

Another habit of Hindustani musicians that impresses me is that they touch

their ears when uttering the names of their gurus, Vidwans, or Pandits. This is

done to show respect to them and their dedication to the art form. They put it

this way: ‘We’re not even worthy enough to take names of such great

personalities.’ This shows the simplicity and modesty that the art form

teaches. Overall, the way of living is taught. With such profound skills, the

artists are full of contentment!

-Chinmayi Shastry R