ABSTRACT
After introducing the complex demographic and political landscapes of South Asia, this chapter turns to an exploration of North Indian classical music, focusing on the history of the Hindustani tradition and then spending time on Hindustani theory and performance practices. Next, the chapter turns to South Indian classical music, exploring the Carnatic tradition and also considering Hindu music and dance through attention to temples, gender, and caste. Bollywood, too, receives attention in this chapter. The chapter also offers several case studies exploring important genres and regional styles, including Qawwali music in Pakistan, music in Afghanistan, music of the Bauls of Bengal, music in Sri Lanka, and the growth of Coke Television. The South Asian Diaspora is explored as a means of drawing the chapter to a close.
