An interview with Indian Classical Music

Origin of Indian Classical Music

The Shastric schools of music discovered musical octave (sa, re, ga, ma, pa, dha, ni, sa) present in the subtle sounds of Nature and invented the basic classical ragas; a wide variety of musical compositions were generated consequently.

Types

Indian classical music has two distinct styles-Hindustani classical music and Carnatic music. The classical music of North India is called Hindustani Classical Music and South India is called Carnatic music.

What is Raaga?

The word raaga is derived from the word ranja, which stands for `that which delights or enchants the mind`.

Raaga also means a spectrum of colours, a sunburst of emotions and passions, implying thereby the emotional effect created by characteristic melodic movements.

One ancient author defines a raaga as that which generates pleasure in the listener`s mind through the appropriate use of notes, sound modulations and tonal colours. Some others characterizes a raaga as `a combination of notes illustrated by melodic movements, which is producing pleasant sensations`

Each Raga has its own scale consisting of minimum five and maximum seven notes (swaras). A raga has specific ascending (Aaroh) and descending (Avaroh) movements,

What is Tala?

Tala is a cycle of beats, starting with a stress point called the “Sam” and ending with a release point called the “Khali”. It is this (sam & khali) that brings life to a Tala.

What is Shruti?

Shruti denotes different scales of singing.

How is Indian classical music different from Western classical music? What are their similarities?
Indian music is essentially monophonic (single melody format or homophonic) while Western music can be polyphonic (multiple notes played or sung in harmonised unison), monophonic or a combination of both.

Western classical music is based upon the equal tempered scale, and rests upon melody, harmony and counterpart while Swara and Tala are the two basic components of Indian classical music.

What is a 'Tambura'? How does it help the singers?

Tambura or Tanpura is a drone instrument, usually consisting of four or six strings tuned to Pa or Ma or Ni, Sa. The two strings in the centre are Sa of middle octave. The Pa or Ma or Ni and the last Sa are of the lower octave. The droning of the Tambura helps singers to get set on the scale and it resonates to create a musical atmosphere.

Even a good singer cannot proceed with the song if he is not able to start on the right scale.

Healing by Music Therapy

We all experience the enchanting effects of good music in some form or the other. The classical compositions (ragas) of music create deep impact on our mind and emotions. The melody of vocal and instrumental music soothes our mind and heart. Not only that the sonic vibrations of its specific compositions also heal psychological disorders.

Moreover, depending upon its nature, music can awaken or intensify specific kinds of emotional streams and mental tendencies and thus influence the habits and nature of the engrossed singers/players and audiences.

The Indian classical music is known to have cured the problems of the digestive system, liver including the diseases like jaundice. Doctors remarks that this music rhythmically vibrates the tissue-membranes of the ear and, relaxes the nerves and muscles beneath the temple and in the brain; as a result of which the sensory and motor systems are energised and activated. Many ragas are known to reduce the stress .

To name a few ragas healing some of the diseases:

Bhairavi	Asthma, cold, cough, sinus, Tuberclosis
Asaveri	Eliminating impurities of blood
Hindolam	Sharpens Memory & improves concentration

Significance of Raaga

Each Raaga has its own significance in relation to the effect it produces on its surrounding be it on the human, animals or even nature.

For instance, singing raaga “Amrutha varshini” has the effect of bringing rain; Neelambari Raaga can relax a tense mind and put it to deep sleep; raaga like Boopalam is very melodious to hear in the early mornings. Certain Ragaas are dedicated to specific gods and goddess and when sung appropriately they are believed to produce positive vibrations.

Hence an aspiring student of music is expected to learn the raagas only in the manner prescribed by the composers so that he/she can appreciate the significance and attain great heights.

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This note is contributed by Shiv to provide readers with a basic understanding of the Indian classical music and significance in the day to day life.