ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the elements that are most identifiable in Indian music, and see their context within classical and folk traditions. India’s classical aesthetics and concepts permeate and inform all of India’s music from ancient chant to the popular. Indian classical music is informed by genre and form rather than chronological development. Indian classical music is defined by the genre and elements of the music. Raga and tala are applicable to almost all forms of Indian music, from classical genres to popular. Musical concepts that permeate all Indian music have their roots in North Indian (Hindustani) and South Indian (Carnatic) classical traditions, although the terminology may differ. South and North India are two distinct entities. The arts and music of the South differ as well. Regional music styles are denoted by names, Carnatic for the south and Hindustani for North India.
