History of Indian Classical Music

History of Indian Classical Music (Brief but Detailed)

Indian classical music originated in Vedic times, nearly 6,000 years ago, and is based on the philosophy of Nāda Brahma (sound as divine). The Vedas contain references to musical notes and rhythm, with the Sāma Veda forming the foundation of Indian music. It consists of Rigveda hymns set to melody, sung using three to seven notes during rituals. Musical meters in the Rigveda are believed to be the earliest source of ragas. In ancient times, music was classified into Gandharva, which was formal and ceremonial, and Gāna, which was informal and meant for entertainment.

A major theoretical foundation was laid by Sage Bharata in the Nāṭya Śāstra (200 BCE–200 CE), which systematized music, dance, and drama and introduced the concept of Rasa, a key aesthetic principle in Indian arts. Another important treatise, Sangita Ratnakara, was written by Sharangadeva in the 13th century. Divided into seven chapters on swara, raga, tala, composition, and instruments, it influenced both Hindustani and Carnatic music traditions.

During the medieval (Muslim) period (c. 1200–1700 CE), Hindustani classical music developed rapidly due to Persian influence. Amir Khusrau (1253–1325 CE) played a crucial role by introducing new ragas and musical forms such as Qawwali and Tarana, along with instruments like the sitar and tabla. Under the Mughal ruler Akbar, music flourished, and his court musician Tansen (c. 1500–1586 CE) composed famous ragas such as Miyan ki Todi, Miyan ki Malhar, and Darbari Kanada, shaping many gharanas.

By this time, Indian classical music had clearly divided into Hindustani (North India) and Carnatic (South India) systems. In the 18th century, Khayal evolved from Dhrupad and became the main form of Hindustani music, leading to semi-classical styles like Thumri. Royal patronage by Nawabs and Maharajas supported musicians until the British period, when this system declined.

After India’s independence in 1947, classical music moved from royal courts to public concerts and institutions. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Vishnu Digambar Paluskar and Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande helped popularize and systematize Hindustani music. In the 20th century, artists like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan introduced Indian classical music to global audiences, earning worldwide recognition.