history of Indian music from Pandit Śārṅgadeva (13th century) to the present day:

Here’s a concise summary :

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Indian Music History: From Śārṅgadeva to Today

1. Ancient Vedic Roots to Śārṅgadeva (13th Century)

• Vedic Influence: Indian music has its origins in the Samaveda, the sacred Vedic texts that used chants and melodies as part of religious rituals.

• Pandit Śārṅgadeva (13th century): The author of the Sangeet Ratnakar, a foundational text that bridged ancient traditions (such as Bharata Muni’s Nāṭyaśāstra) with emerging practices. He defined key concepts like Raga, Tala, and the distinction between Marga (classical music) and Desi (folk/regional) music, laying the groundwork for both Hindustani and Carnatic traditions.

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2. Mughal Influence & Medieval Period (15th-18th Century)

• The Mughal Empire (15th–18th century) brought a strong Persian and Central Asian influence, particularly in the royal courts, which enriched Hindustani music.

• Persian and Islamic music merged with indigenous traditions, giving rise to Qawwali, Ghazals, and fostering a deeper connection between music, poetry, and court patronage.

• This era saw the formalization of classical music and the refinement of ragas, fostering complex musical forms.

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3. The Great Bifurcation (14th Century)

• Split into Two Systems:

  • Hindustani Music (North India): Influenced by Persian and Central Asian traditions, it developed genres like Khayal, Thumri, Tarana, and Ghazal, with intricate raga systems.

  • Carnatic Music (South India): Kept closer to ancient traditions, focusing on forms like Kritis, Varnas, and Padams. While the styles differ, both traditions share foundational theoretical principles.

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4. Modern Era (19th Century – Present)

• 19th-20th Century Developments:

  • Hindustani Music saw the emergence of Gharanas (musical schools), such as Gwalior, Agra, and Jaipur, which shaped the regional diversity of the tradition.

  • In Carnatic music, composers like Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Purandara Dasa continued to shape the Kriti form while promoting classical purity.

• 20th Century & Contemporary Era:

  • Hindustani music witnessed the popularization of Khayal, Thumri, and Ghazal through iconic figures like Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and Pandit Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande (who codified music theory).

  • Carnatic music, consolidated by the work of composers like Tyagaraja and Muthuswami Dikshitar, became a major force in classical music.

  • Fusion & Global Reach: The 20th century brought global exposure to Indian music, especially through collaborations like Ravi Shankar's work with Yehudi Menuhin. Indian classical music began merging with Western styles like Jazz Fusion, giving rise to a cross-cultural musical landscape.

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Summary:

From Śārṅgadeva’s synthesis of Vedic and ancient theories, Indian music evolved through the Mughal era, which introduced Persian influences, to the 14th-century bifurcation into Hindustani and Carnatic systems. Over time, new forms emerged, and regional styles flourished. In the modern era, Indian classical music continued to thrive with increasing globalization and fusion with Western genres, resulting in a vibrant, contemporary blend of classical purity and innovative experimentation.