The myth surrounding the origin of music in India is that during the transitional period over the ages, people lost their way and took to unethical and wrongful ways. There was violence, betrayal, and animosity all over the country. Seeing the plight of humans, the Gods were deeply distressed. There seemed no solution in sight till they approached the creator of the world, Lord Brahma, to rescue them from this mayhem. It is then that the supreme creator entrusted the divine gift of music to the sage Narada in order to bestow peace and amend the evil ways of humanity.
Narada Muni, as he is fondly called, was a divine traveller and a devotee of Lord Vishnu. This mythological sage could travel easily between earth, heaven, and the universal space, three worlds. He had a way with words that made him an amusing and fascinating being. It was his engaging style of narration that made him the first mortal recipient of the divine and celestial gift of music.
Apart from this mythological tale surrounding its origin, music has also been a medium for expressing religious and cultural beliefs since times unknown.
One cannot overlook its gigantic presence as the very backbone of fun and entertainment. India has numerous ethnic groups comprising of different dialects, culture and languages that make it one of oldest and the most vibrant of music cultures in the world.
Music in India has developed over the centuries. It has been an integral part of Indian tradition right from the Vedic era. It developed through a mixture of races and cultures. The many foreign invasions made into this country carved a way to learn about other cultures to the world. In fact, many such invaders chose to make this fascinating country India their home. Gradually, the social interaction among various races helped in an interchange of culture, rituals and practices. This led to the birth of a vast range in India music.
The range in Indian music is so vastly diversified that it is difficult to enlist them together. While the music in India is based on some basic notes and rhythm, yet the difference is obvious in their application. However, they can be broadly classified as traditional or folk, popular music and classical music.
Music has found place in all aspects of Indian history and mythology – from the legend sages of the learned sage Narada to the ancient remains of the world’s oldest civilisation. It has evolved over the ages, and today India and Indian culture. It has contributed significantly to international music. The beautiful blend of classical and the modern music trends have, and continue to enthrall and impress the audiences all over the world.
Music and Musical Instruments of India introduces one to the wonderful world of Indian music and musicians. It would in India has a spectacular range. Hence, it is very difficult to summarize everything that is music, in one book. Yet, it provides with well researched and scrutinized content, using simple and easy language to ensure complete perception for the reader.
The book describes musical instruments from the ancient period to the present day. It explains various elements of music, and different musical styles from classical to the most recent film music. it also gives a brief biography of prominent musical maestros that have bejeweled Indian music over the centuries.
This book is a humble effort to satisfy the knowledge-seeking individual with an outline of all facets of Music in India.
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