Important Similarities and Difference Between Hindustani & Carnatic Styles of Classic Music?

IAS Mains General Studies Sample Answers

What are the important similarities and difference between the Hindustani and the Carnatic styles of classic music?

Carnatic music is a system of music associated with the southern part of Indian sub continent. Hindustani music is associated with North India and is deeply influenced by Persian and Islamic music system.

Saraswati (goddess of music)Similarities

(i) Although there are stylistic differences, the basic elements of swara, raga and tala as foundation of both Carnatic and Hindustani are same.

(ii) Hindustani music originated in the Vedic period, while Carnatic music originated during the Bhakti movement. Thus both are having great association with religion.

(iii) Carnatic is one of two main sub-genres of India classical music that evolved from ancient Hindu traditions, the other sub-genre being Hindustani music, which emerged as a distinct form due to Persian and Islamic influences in North India.

(iv) Both the music evolved with Sanskrit language scripts in itself and through Vedic traditions.

(v) The central notions in both these system is that of a melodic mode or raga, sug to a rhythmic cycle or tala.

Differences

(i) Origin of Hindustani music is earlier than Carnatic music. It synthesizes with Vedic chants, Islamic traditions and Persian Musiqu-e-Assil style. Carnatic is Comparatively pure and was developed in 15th 16th century during Bhakti movement and also get boost in 19th -20th century.

(ii) Main emphasis in Carnatic music is on vocal music and most compositions are to be sung, involving gayaki style. In Hindustani music vocal- centric group is required. Many instruments are designed to accompany the singer.

(iii) The major vocal forms of Hindustani music are Dhrupad, khayal, Tarana, Thumri, Dadra and Gazals. While Carnatic music embraces several varieties of improvisation consist of Alpana, Niraval, kalpnaswaram and Ragam Thana pallavi.

Additionally

Hindustani Classical Music: Indian classical music found throughout North India. The style is sometimes called North Indian classical music or Shāstriya Sangīt. It is a tradition that originated in Vedic ritual chants and has been evolving since the 12th century CE, in North India and to some extent in Nepal and Afghanistan.

Carnatic music (Karnataka Sangita): A system of music commonly associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, with its area roughly confined to four modern states of India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. It is one of two main sub-genres of Indian classical music that evolved from ancient Hindu traditions; the other sub-genre being Hindustani music, which emerged as a distinct form because of Persian and Islamic influences in North India.

There are two categories of Classical Music


  • Hindustani Music is practiced in Northern Parts of India
  • Carnatic Music is practiced in the Southern parts of India
Areas of  differences Carnatic Hindustani
Ragas 72 ragas 6 major ragas
Instruments Veena, Mridangam and Mandolin Tabla, Sarangi, Sitar and Santoor
Influence Indigenous Afghan Persian and Arab
Sub-styles Only one particular prescribed style of singing Several substyles
Freedom No freedom to improvise Scope to do variations and improvise
Vocal and instruments Both have equal importance More importance to vocal

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