Ancient Indian Music

Vedic Hymns: These are the oldest known musical compositions in ancient India and form the basis of Indian classical music.

Samaveda: A collection of hymns from the Vedas that were chanted with musical accompaniment.

Raga: A musical mode or scale in Indian classical music that expresses a particular mood or emotion.

Tala: A rhythmic cycle in Indian classical music that sets the pace and tempo for a musical composition.

Sangeet Shastra: An ancient treatise on music that details the principles of Indian classical music, including raga, tala, and vocal techniques.

Jati and Guna: These are the fundamental building blocks of Indian classical music. Jati refers to the number of notes in a particular phrase or melody, while Guna refers to the type of sound produced by a particular instrument or voice.

Gharana: A school or tradition of music that has its own distinct style and techniques. The various gharanas of Indian classical music include the Jaipur, Agra, and Kirana.

Venu: An ancient bamboo flute that was used in Indian classical music.

Veena: An ancient stringed instrument that was used in Indian classical music.

Dhrupad: An ancient style of Indian classical music that consists of long, melodic compositions sung in a slow and meditative style.

Khayal: A more modern style of Indian classical music that features shorter, more improvisational compositions.

Bhajan: A devotional song or hymn in Indian music that is often sung in praise of a particular deity.

Qawwali: A Sufi Islamic devotional music that originated in India and Pakistan.

Bollywood Music: The popular music of the Indian film industry, which is heavily influenced by Indian classical music and Western pop music.

Fusion Music: A blend of Indian classical music with other forms of music, such as jazz, rock, and world music, to create a new and unique sound.

Hindustani Classical Music: This type of music originated in northern India and has been influenced by Persian and Islamic music. It is typically characterized by the use of ragas (melodic scales), talas (rhythmic patterns), and complex ornamentation.

Carnatic Classical Music: This type of music originated in southern India and is considered to be the oldest form of Indian classical music. It features complex rhythms, intricate melodies, and improvisation.

Folk Music: This type of music is traditional music that has been passed down orally from generation to generation. It represents the cultural heritage of various regions of India and is typically associated with specific festivals, ceremonies or occasions.

Sufi Music: This type of music originated in medieval Islamic India and is characterized by its use of poetry, devotion, and spiritual themes. It is typically performed in a qawwali style, which features a lead vocalist and a chorus.

Devotional Music: This type of music is usually associated with religious ceremonies and is based on ancient Hindu scriptures. It typically features devotional songs, chants, and mantras.

Bollywood Music: This type of music has its roots in Indian film music and is characterized by its upbeat rhythms, catchy melodies, and fusion of Indian and Western musical styles. It is popular not only in India but also in many other countries around the world.