Carnatic And Hindustani Music: Differences and Similarities

We love to hear music right? Some of us are singers too. Do you wish to know more about music and its classification? Read more about this topic.

Do you know the difference between Carnatic and Hindustani music?

Are there any similarities between them?

First, let’s discuss the origin of music.

Origin:

‘Naad’ is the basis of all creations.

Samaveda has 7 notes and its upaveda is Gandharva Veda.

In the later Vedic period Ritualistic music is prevalent.

Bharata muni – Natayasastra: First reference to musical theory in 4th century CE. It gave the srutis or keys. Matanga’s Brihaddeshi in the 9th century focused on ragas.

Major Periods in the History of Indian Music

• Indian music history can be divided into three major periods: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern.
• The period of Ancient music ranges from the Vedic Age to the period of Sangita Ratnakara.
• Around the 14th century, it culminated in the division of Indian music into two branches: Hindustani and Carnatic.
• Both of these branches evolved and firmly established themselves.
• Countless musicologists and composers appeared on the scene during this time period, enriching the concepts of Raga, Tala, and musical forms.

Indian Music:

During the medieval period, Indian classical music is generally classified as Carnatic music in south India and Hindustani music in north India.

The main pillars of music are Swara, Raga, and Taala.

Swara: Pitch or tone, musical notes. Out of 22 notes, 12 mains are called Swarasthana, and the rest are played in Ragas.

Raga: Basis of melody. Every raga has atleast 5 swaras. A Combination of swaras leads to a composition that generates a melody.

Taala: Basis of rhythm. It is a grouping of beats.

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Different types :

• Classical – Hindustani and Carnatic
• Modern – Jazz, Blues, etc.
• Folk Music
• Others (Fusion of classical and folk) – Sugam Sangeeth, Rabindra Sangeeth, etc.

Hindustani Music

• Originated during the Delhi sultanate period.
• It is influenced heavily by Persian music and other genres of music.
• Forms of Hindustani music are Dhrupad, Khayal, Tarana, Thumri, Dadra, and Ghazals.
• Instruments used Tabla, Sarangi, Santoor.

Carnatic Music

• Originated during the Bhakti movement and derived from the trinity.
• It is purely indigenous and normally isolated from alien influences.
• Forms of Carnatic music are Alapana, Niraval, Kalphaswaram.
• Instruments used Veena, Mridangam.

Similarities between Hindustani and Carnatic Music:

• The basic elements of swara, raga, taala as the foundation of both.
• Both the music evolved with Sanskrit language scripts in itself and through Vedic tradition.
• Both these forms of music have their origin in spirituality and religion.
• The central notion is similar; a Raga
• Both these styles give principal prominence to the melody.
• To describe the Janya Raga, both of these music branches use the Sampoorna scale.
• Both are monophonic and use Taanpura (or Drone) as their main Shruthi.

Differences Between Hindustani and Carnatic Music:

Article written by- Remya