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The of includes multiple varieties of folk, popular, pop, andR&B. India's classical music tradition, including Carnatic and Hindustani music, has a history spanning millennia and developed over several eras. Music in India began as an integral part of socio-religious life and that Indian music is essentially melodic: sounds follow one another expressing an emotional state in an aesthetic unity.[1]

Two main traditions of classical music are , found predominantly in the peninsular regions, and Hindustani music, found in the northern and central regions.[2] The basic concepts of this music includes Shruti, Swara, Alankar, Rāga, and Tāla. Its tonal system divides the into 22 segments called shrutis, not all equal but each roughly equal to one quarter of a whole tone of Western music. is based on the system of , which are melody types used as the basis for improvisation.

Hindustani music[edit] Main article: Hindustani classical music

Hindustani music tradition was developed around 13th and 14th centuries AD with Persian influences and from existing religious and .[3] The practice of based on notes was popular even from the Vedic times where the hymns in Sama Veda, a sacred text, were sung as Samagana and not chanted. Developing a strong and diverse tradition over several centuries, it has contemporary traditions established primarily in India but also in and . In contrast to Carnatic music, the other main tradition originating from the South, Hindustani music was not only influenced by ancient Hindu musical traditions, historical Vedic philosophy and native Indian sounds but also enriched by the Persian performance practices of the Mughals. Classical genres are , dhamar, , and sadra. Carnatic music[edit] Main article: Carnatic music

The present form of Carnatic music is based on historical developments that can be traced to the 15th - 16th centuries AD and thereafter. It is said to have originated in the South Indian state of . Carnatic music is melodic, with improvised variations. It consists of a composition with improvised embellishments added to the piece in the forms of , Kalpanaswaram, Neraval, and, in the case of more advanced students, Ragam Tanam . The main emphasis is on the vocals as most compositions are written to be sung, and even when played on instruments, they are meant to be performed in a singing style (known as gāyaki). There are about 7.2 million ragas (or scales) in Carnatic Music[citation needed], with around 300 still in use today.

Purandara Dasa is considered the father of Carnatic music, while , Shyama Shastry and are considered the trinity of Carnatic music[citation needed].

Noted artists of Carnatic Music include MS Subbulakshmi, Ariyakudi Iyengar (the father of the current format),Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Prapancham Raman, TN Seshagopalan and more recently Sanjay Subrahmanyan, Balamuralikrishna,K J Yesudas, N.Ramani, , Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman, Mysore Manjunath, Mysore Nagaraj, TM , , , etc.

Every December, the city of in India has its six week-long Music Season, which has been described as the world's largest cultural event. Hence Chennai has become the capital of Carnatic Music since 19th century. It has served as the foundation for most music in , including folk music, festival music and has also extended its influence to film music in the past 100–150 years or so. Folk music[edit]

A pair of Indian folk performing in a rural village

Main article:

Rabindra Sangeet (Music of )[edit] Main article:

Black-and-white close-up photograph of a piece of wood boldly painted in unmixed solid strokes of black and white in a stylized semblance to "ro" and "tho" from the Bengali syllabary.

Dance accompanied by Rabindra Sangeet

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Rabindra Sangeet (Bengali: রবীন্দ্রসঙ্গীত Robindro shonggit, Bengali pronunciation: ind it ), also known as Tagore , are songs written and composed by . They have distinctive characteristics in the music of Bengal, popular in India andBangladesh.[4] "Sangeet" means songs, "Rabindra Sangeet" means Songs of Rabindra.

Rabindra Sangeet used Indian classical music and traditional folk music as sources.[dead link][citation needed][5] Tagore wrote some 2,230 songs.[citation needed]

Rabindranath Tagore was a towering figure in Indian music. Writing in Bengali, he created a library of over 2,000 songs now known by as 'rabindra sangeet' whose form is primarily influenced by Hindustani classical, sub-classicals, Karnatic, western, , bhatiyali and different folk songs of India. Many singers in and Bangladesh base their entire careers on the singing of Tagore musical masterpieces. The national anthem of India and national anthem of Bangladesh are Rabindra Sangeets. of [edit]

Jeng Bihu dancers at Rongali Bihu celebration in

Bihu is the festival of New Year of Assam falling on mid April. This is a festival of nature and mother earth where the first day is for the cows and buffalos. Second day is for the man. Bihu and songs accompanied by traditional drums and wind instruments are essential part of this festival. Bihu songs are energetic and with beats to welcome the festive spring. Assamese drums (), Pepa(horm usually made from buffalo ), are major instruments used. Dandiya[edit] Main article: Dandiya

Dandiya is a form of -oriented folk music that has also been adapted for . The present musical style is derived from the traditional musical accompaniment to the . It is practised in (mainly) the state of Gujrat. Actually Dandiya is a kind of dance rather than a music, the music is called a in local language. Ganasangeet[edit] Ganasangeet is generally sung in chorus carrying some social message.[6] The songs are usually about Freedom, community strength, patriotism. Due to the British occupation in India, a lot of protest songs about anti-imperialism/pro-socialism have been written in India. Examples: Apni Azadi Ko Hum Hargis Mita Sakte Nahin, ajadee hoyni tor, Kadam kadam badhaye jaa, , etc. Uttarakhandi Music[edit] Uttarakhandi folk music had its root in the lap of nature. The pure and blessed music have the feel and the touch of nature and subjects related to nature. The folk music primarily is related to the various festivals, religious traditions, folk stories and simple life of the people of . Thus the songs of Uttarakhand are a true reflection of the Cultural Heritage and the way people live their lives in the Himalayas. Musical instruments used inUttarakhand music include the dhol, damoun, turri, , dholki, daur, thali, bhankora and masakbhaja. and harmonium are also used, but to a lesser extent. The main languages are Kumaoni and Garhwali. Lavani[edit] Main article: Lavani

Lavani comes from the word Lavanya which means beauty. This is one of the most popular forms of dance and music that is practiced all over . It has in fact become a necessary part of the Maharashtrian folk dance performances. Traditionally, the songs are sung by female artistes, but male artistes may occasionally sing Lavanis. The dance format associated with Lavani is known as . Lavani is a combination of traditional and dance, which particularly performed to the enchanting beats of 'Dholaki', a drum-like instrument. Dance performed by attractive women wearing nine-yard saris. They are sung in a quick . The verve, the enthusiasm, the rhythm and above all the very beat of India finds an expressive declaration amidst the folk , which has somewhat, redefined the term "bliss". Lavani originated in the arid region of Maharashtra and . [edit] Main article:

Rajasthan has a very diverse cultural collection of castes, including Langas, Sapera, Bhopa, Jogi and Manganiyar (lit. the ones who ask/beg). Rajasthan Diary quotes it as a soulful, full-throated music with Harmonious diversity. The haunting melody of Rajasthan evokes from a variety of delightfully primitive looking instruments. The stringed variety include the , Rawanhattha, Kamayacha, and . Percussion instruments come in all shapes and sizes from the huge Nagaras and to the tiny Damrus. The Daf and Chang are a big favourite of (the festival of colours) revellers. and bagpipers come in local flavours such as , Poongi, Algoza, Tarpi, Been and Bankia. The essence of Rajasthani music is derived from the creative symphony of string instruments, percussion instruments and wind instruments accompanied by melodious renditions of folk singers. It enjoys a respectable presence in music as well. [edit]

Film music[edit] Main articles: and

The biggest form of Indian popular music is filmi, or songs from Indian films, it makes up 72% of the music sales in India.[7] The film industry of India supported music by according reverence to classical music while utilizing the western to support Indian . Music , like R. D. Burman, A. R. Rahman, Ilaiyaraja, , C. Ramchandra, S. D. Burman, ,Shankar Jaikishan, Kalyanji Anandji, Jatin , , Nadeem-Shravan, , , Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Salim-Sulaiman, MS viswanathan,K V Mahadevan, Gantasala and S. D. Batish[citation needed] employed the principles of while retaining classical and folk flavor. Reputed names in the domain of Indian classical music like Shankar, , and have also composed music for films. Traditionally, in Indian films, for the songs is not provided by the actors on the screen but by the so called Playback singers. In the past, only handful of singers provided the voice in films. These include , Mukesh, Kishore, , , Asha Bhonsle, her sister , , , , Noorjahan, , Recent playback singers include , , K.S. Chitra, Shaan, Madhushree, , Nihira Joshi, Kavita Krishnamurthy, SP Balasubramanayam, Hariharan, AR Rahman,, , , Anu Malik, , , Raja Hasan and . Rock bands like , Indian Ocean, and Euphoria exist and have gained mass appeal with the advent of cable . Interaction with non-Indian music[edit] See also: Indo , , , Indo- music, , and Bhangra (music)

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, fusions with Indian music were well known throughout and North America. Ali Akbar Khan's 1955 performance in the was perhaps the beginning of this trend.

Jazz pioneers such as —who recorded a composition entitled 'India' during the November 1961 sessions for his albumLive At The Village Vanguard (the track was not released until 1963 on Coltrane's Impressions)—also embraced this fusion. (of ) played the on the song "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" in 1965, which sparked interest from Shankar, who subsequently took Harrison as his apprentice. Jazz innovator Miles Davis recorded and performed with musicians like Khalil Balakrishna, Bihari Sharma, and Badal Roy in his post-1968 electric ensembles. Virtuoso jazz guitarist John McLaughlin spent several years in Madurai learning Carnatic music and incorporated it into many of his acts including which featured prominent Indian musicians. Other Western artists such as the , Incredible String , , the Move andTraffic soon incorporated Indian influences and instruments, and added Indian performers. Legendary Grateful Dead frontman joined guitarist Sanjay Mishra on his classic CD "Blue Incantation" (1995). Mishra also wrote an original score for French Director Eric Heumann for his film Port Djema (1996) which won best score at Hamptons film festival and The Golden Bear at Berlin. in 2000 he recorded Rescue with drummer Dennis Chambers (Carlos Santana, John McLaughlin et al.) and in 2006 Chateau Benares with guests DJ Logic and Keller Williams ( and bass).

Though the Indian music craze soon died down among mainstream audiences, die hard fans and immigrants continued the fusion. In 1985, a beat oriented, Raga Rock hybrid called Sitar Power by Ashwin Batish reintroduced sitar in western nations. Sitar Power drew the attention of a number of record labels and was snapped up by Shanachie Records of New Jersey to head their World Beat Ethno Pop division.

In the late 1980s, Indian-British artists fused Indian and Western traditions to make the Asian Underground. Since the 1990s, Canadian born musician Nadaka who has spent most of his life in India, has been creating music that is an acoustic fusion of Indian classical music with western styles. One such singer who has merged the sangeet tradition of India with the western non-India music isKrishna Das and sells music records of his musical . Another example is Indo-Canadian musician Vandana Vishwas who has experimented with western music in her album 'Monologues' (Release : January 2013).

In the new millennium, American hip-hop has featured Indian filmi and bhangra. Mainstream hip-hop artists have sampled songs from Bollywood movies and have collaborated with Indian artists. Examples include Timbaland's "Indian ", Erick Sermon and Redman's "React", Slum Village's "", and Truth Hurts' hit song "Addictive", which sampled a Lata Mangeshkar song, and The sampled 's song "Yeh Mera Dil" in their hit single "'t Phunk With My Heart". In 1997, the British band Cornershoppaid tribute to Asha Bhosle with their song , which became an international hit. British-born Indian artist Panjabi MCalso had a Bhangra hit in the U.S. with "" which featured rapper Jay-Z. are not huge mainstream stars, but their politically charged rap and influenced sound has a multi-racial audience in their native UK. In 2008, international star Snoop Dogg appeared in a song in the film . In 2007, Hip-Hop producer Madlib released Beat Konducta Vol 3–4: Beat Konducta in India; an album which heavily samples and is inspired by the music of India.

Sometimes, the music of India will fuse with the traditional music of other countries. For example, 2 Dublin,[8] a band based in Canada, is known for fusing Indian and Irish music, and Bhangraton is a fusion of Bhangra music with , which itself is a fusion of , , and traditional Latin American music.[9]

In a more recent example of Indian - British fusion, Laura Marling along with Mumford and Sons collaborated in 2010 with the Dharohar Project on a four song EP.[10] Indi-pop music[edit] Main article:

Indian pop music, often known as Indipop or Indi-pop, is based on an amalgamation of Indian folk and classical music, and modern beats from different parts of the world. Pop music really started in the South Asian region with the famous 's s ng ‘Ko Ko Korina’ in 1966.[11] //After that, much of Indian Pop music comes from the Indian Film Industry, and until the 1990s, few singers like , Sharon Prabhakar, and Peenaz Masani outside it were popular. Since then, pop singers in the latter group have included KK, ,Alisha Chinai, Shantanu Mukherjee aka Shaan, Sagarika, Colonial Cousins (Hariharan, Leslie Lewis), , and Sonu Nigam, and music composers like Zila Khan or Jawahar Wattal, who made top selling with, , , Baba Sehgal, Swetha Shetty and .[12] Daler Mehndi's "Dardi Rab Rab" and "Ho Jayegi Balle Balle", Shubha Mudgal's "Ali More Angana", Shweta Shetty's "Deewane To Deewane Hain", Hans Raj Hans' "Jhangar", Bhupi Chawla's "Jogiya Khalli Balli", 's "Haule Haule", 's "Paaro" and Ali Haider's "Mahi O Mahi".

Besides those listed above, popular Indi-Pop singers include , Daler Mehndi, Sachar Rageshwari, Vandana Vishwas, Devika Chawla, Bombay Vikings, Asha Bhosle, Sunidhi Chauhan, Anushka Manchanda, Bombay Rockers, Anu Malik, , Malkit Singh, Hans Raj Hans, Raghav, , , Rich, Sheila , , Punjabi MC, Bhangra Knights,Mehnaz, Sanober and SQS Supastars.

Recently, Indian pop has taken an interesting turn with the "remixing" of songs from past Indian movie songs, new beats being added to them. Rock & metal music[edit] Raga rock[edit] Main article: Raga rock

See also:

The Byrds at a "raga rock" press conference in March 1966.

Raga rock is rock or pop music with a heavy Indian influence, either in its construction, its timbre, or its use of instrumentation, such as the sitar and tabla. Raga and other forms of classical Indian music began to influence many rock groups during the 1960s; most famouslyThe Beatles. The first traces of "raga rock" can be heard on songs such as "" by and ' "", released the previous month, featured a sitar-like riff by guitarist .[13][14] The Beatles song "Norwegian Wood", which first appeared on the band's 1965 album , was the first western pop song to actually incorporate the sitar (played by lead guitarist George Harrison).[14][15] ' March 1966 single "" and its B-side "Why" were also influential in originating the musical subgenre. Indeed, the term "raga rock" was coined by The Byrds' publicist in the press releases for the single and was first used in print by journalist Sally Kempton in her review of "Eight Miles High" for The Village Voice.[16][17] George Harrison's interest in Indian music, popularized the genre in the mid-1960s with songs such as "", "" (credited to Lennon-McCartney), "" and "The Inner Light".[18][19][20] The rock acts of the sixties both in turn influenced British and American groups and Indian acts to develop a later form of . Indian rock[edit] Main article: Indian rock

The "scene" in India is small compared to the filmi or fusion musicality "scenes" but as of recent years has come into its own, achieving a cult status of sorts. Rock music in India has its origins in 1960s when international stars such as The Beatles visited India and brought their music with them. These artists' collaboration with Indian musicians such as and Zakir Hussainhave led to the development of raga rock. International short wave radio stations such as The Voice of America, BBC, and played a major part in bringing Western pop, folk, and rock music to the masses. You can hear some of the songs that were heard over these stations during the 1960s here. However, Indian rock bands began to gain prominence only much later, around the late 1980s. It was around this time that the rock band Indus Creed formerly known as The Rock Machine got itself noticed on the international stage with hits like Rock N Roll Renegade. Other bands quickly followed. As of now, the rock music scene in India is quietly growing day by day and gathering more support. With the introduction of MTV in the early 1990s, Indians began to be exposed to various forms of rock such as and speed metal. This influence can be clearly seen in many Indian bands today. The cities of , Delhi, and Bangalore have emerged as major melting pots for rock and metal enthusiasts. Bangalore has been the hub for rock and metal movement in India. Some prominent bands include Indian Ocean, Kryptos, Pentagram, Thermal and a Quarter, Abandoned Agony, No Idea, Zero, Half Step Down, Scribe, Eastern Fare, Indus Creed, , Zygnema [Born Of Unity],Motherjane, Soulmate and Avial. The future looks encouraging thanks to entities such as Green Ozone, DogmaTone Records, Eastern Fare Music Foundation, that are dedicated to promoting and supporting Indian rock.

One of the most famous rock musicians in the world is the late of Queen. Born Farrokh Bomi Bulsara to Indian parents in Zanzibar, he was raised in Panchgani near Mumbai. Mercury was influenced early on by the Indian playback singer Lata Mangeshkaralong with western influences such as Led Zeppelin, , and The Beatles. [edit] Main articles: , trance, Psychedelic trance, Charanjit Singh (musician), and

Indian hip hop[edit] in India had started at around 1990 and Baba Sehgal is credited as India's first rapper. Hip Hop music became all the more famous with the song 'Pettai Rap' from the Tamil movie Kadhalan starring Prabhu . The song catapulted Suresh Peters as a rapper and a music director. Rap/Hip Hop was often used in the regional movies as fillers in between songs and off late has started to become main stream songs. based The Project, Bally Sagoo and Canadian based Raghav further laid steady foundations for Hip Hop/RnB music in India. Pakistani-American Punjabi rapper became one of the best-known Punjabi rapper in the country. He became the first hip hop artist to launch a full rap album signed to . He has also produced songs for Bollywood movies like Chandni Chowk to . Canadian based hip hop artist Ishq Bector became a success after the release of his superhit single 'Aye Hip Hopper'. Malaysian based B and Natchatra brought in the culture of Tamil rap in India. Yogi B, as part of Poetic Ammo, achieved success when they won at the Malaysian Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM)(Music Awards) 1999, 2000 and 2001. Yogi B is now the most critically acclaimed Kollywood (the Tamil Movie Industry) rapper because of his work on the 2007 movie Pollathavan.

Hip hop exposure has since grown in both India, and the world, with it becoming ever popular with today's younger generation. Even international artists such as 50 Cent, Mobb Deep, The Black Eyed Peas, and Chamillionaire have performed in India in cities like Bangalore, , Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai. Snoop Dogg appeared in a song from the film Singh Is Kinng in 2008 which further popularized hip hop music amongst the people of India. Jay Sean has a bit of a Contemporary R&B style to his voice, as well as a little hip hop influence. While, no rapper of Indian descent has made it on the big stage. The growing influence of hiphop both on the younger generation in India, as well as Indians abroad will surely bring about a rapper of amazing talent. Also, the increasing freedom, and opportunities for diverse careers in today's Indian population helps pave the way for bright and talented musicians, of any genre, not only Hip hop. More recently, artists like Brodha V and groups such as Machas With Attitude have revolutionized Indian hip-hop with fusion renditions of Rap Music and Indian Classical Music. Jazz and [edit]

Main article:

Main article:

Western classical music[edit]

The spread and following of Western classical music in India is almost entirely non-existent. It is mainly patronized by the IndianZoroastrian community and small esoteric groups with historical exposure to Western classical music. Another esoteric group with significant patronage is the Protestant Christian community in Chennai and Bangalore.[citation needed] Western is also severely neglected and pretty rare in India. Western keyboard, drums and guitar instruction being an exception as it has found some interest; mainly in an effort to create musicians to service contemporary popular Indian music. Many reasons have been cited for the obscurity of Western classical music in India, a country rich in its musical heritage by its own right, however the two main reasons are an utter lack of exposure and a passive disinterest in what is considered esoteric at best. Also, the difficulty in importing Western musical instruments and their rarity has also contributed to the obscurity of classical Western music.[citation needed]

Despite more than a century of exposure to Western classical music and two centuries of British colonialism, classical music in India has never gained more than 'fringe' popularity. Many attempts to popularize Western classical music in India have failed in the past due to disinterest and lack of sustained efforts.[citation needed] Today, Western classical music education has improved with the help of numerous institutions in India. Institutions like KM Music Conservatory founded by Oscar Winning , A.R.Rahman, Calcutta School of Music, Bangalore School of Music, Eastern Fare Music Foundation,[21] Delhi School of Music, UstadGah Foundation, Delhi Music Academy, and many others are dedicated to contributing to the progress or growth and supporting Western classical music. In 1930, notable Mehli set up the Bombay Symphony Orchestra. There is 'Melody Academy' in Darjeeling established in the early 1980s by Mr. Jiwan Pradhan who single handedly has brought the western music in the hills of Darjeeling which is very rich in its musical heritage.

The Bombay Chamber Orchestra[22] (BCO) was founded in 1962. It is now the only Indian symphony orchestra that functions and performs on a regular basis with a concert standard of performance. The BCO Society serves the dual purpose of filling in, to some extent, the great void created by the lack of a school or academy of music in the city of Mumbai. In 2006, the Symphony Orchestra of India was founded, housed at the NCPA in Mumbai. It has since presented two short concert seasons per year.

Some prominent Indians in Western classical music are:

 Andre de Quadros, Conductor and Music Educator.  , Conductor.  , Father of Zubin, violinist and founding conductor of the Bombay Symphony Orchestra.  , pianist.  , the first Indian to compose a full symphony performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London's Walthamstow Town Hall.  Naresh Sohal, British Indian-born composer.  Param Vir, British Indian-born composer.  Karishmeh Felfeli, Indian-born Irani pianist and radio broadcaster. Patriotism and music[edit]

Patriotic feelings have been instigated within Indians through music, since the era of freedom struggle. , the national anthem of India, by Rabindranath Tagore is largely credited for uniting India through music and Vande Mataram by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay as the national song of India, both of them belonged to West Bengal. Post-independence songs such as , Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo have been responsible for consolidating feelings of national integration and unity in diversity.