BHMCT 103 Fundamentals of Hindustani Music is a course that serves as an introduction to the rich tradition of Hindustani classical music, an integral part of Indian culture. This course covers the basic principles, history, and structure of Hindustani music, focusing on elements such as ragas, talas, shruti, and alap. It provides students with the essential foundation required to appreciate and understand this classical music form, which has evolved over centuries.

Introduction to Hindustani Classical Music

Hindustani classical music is one of the oldest and most sophisticated systems of music in the world. It has a long and rich tradition that dates back thousands of years and is deeply rooted in the culture and history of India. The music is highly expressive and is based on improvisation, with artists creating music in real time based on the underlying structure of ragas and talas.

Unlike Western classical music, which relies on fixed melodies and harmonies, Hindustani classical music is based on melodic modes (ragas) and rhythmic cycles (talas). It is more concerned with creating an emotional experience rather than following a strict notational framework.

The primary elements of Hindustani classical music include ragas, talas, shruti, alap, and the instruments used for performance.

Ragas: The Heart of Hindustani Music

A raga is a framework for improvisation and composition in Indian classical music. It is made up of specific notes arranged in a particular ascending and descending order. Each raga is associated with a specific mood or emotion and is typically performed at certain times of the day or seasons to evoke the desired emotional response.

Ragas are not just scales; they are living entities with their own unique characteristics. They are known to be capable of influencing the listener’s mood, making them a central part of the performance. Some famous ragas include Raga Yaman, which is usually performed in the evening and evokes a sense of devotion and calm, and Raga Bhairav, performed early in the morning to express a feeling of solemnity.

Talas: The Rhythmic Structure

In addition to ragas, Hindustani music is based on a system of rhythm cycles known as talas. A tala is a repeated cycle of beats that provides the foundation for a musical performance. Talas can range from just a few beats to as many as 108 beats, and the performer follows the cycle throughout the piece.

The most commonly used talas in Hindustani music include Teentaal (16 beats), Dadra (6 beats), and Jhaptaal (10 beats). The tabla, a percussion instrument, is typically used to keep time with the tala. Mastery of talas is essential for both the performer and the audience, as they provide a framework for the raga’s performance and improvisation.

Shruti and Alap

In Hindustani classical music, shruti refers to the smallest unit of pitch, which can vary depending on the region and tradition. The concept of shruti is key to the subtle nuances and expressiveness of the music. It is said that there are 22 shrutis in an octave, and Hindustani music aims to make use of these microtonal variations to create its characteristic intonation and melodic richness.

The alap is the opening section of a raga performance and is entirely improvised. The alap is slow, meditative, and non-rhythmic, allowing the artist to explore the nuances of the raga. During the alap, the artist introduces the raga’s essential notes, gradually building the mood and setting the tone for the rest of the performance.

History and Evolution of Hindustani Music

Hindustani classical music has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It evolved from the Vedic chants and the Sama Veda, one of the four Vedas in ancient Indian scriptures. Over time, it absorbed influences from Persian, Afghan, and Mughal music, particularly during the medieval period when the Mughal Empire ruled India.

The Mughal emperors, especially Akbar, encouraged the patronage of music, leading to the formation of many royal courts where musicians from different parts of the world came together to exchange ideas. One of the most famous classical musicians of this period was Tansen, who is credited with contributing to the development of many ragas and the establishment of new gharanas (schools of music).

In modern times, Hindustani classical music continues to thrive, with famous musicians such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, and Lata Mangeshkar shaping the landscape of classical and contemporary music in India and around the world.

Musical Instruments in Hindustani Music

Hindustani classical music relies heavily on traditional instruments, each of which has its unique sound and method of play. The tabla, sitar, sarod, flute, and harmonium are among the most popular instruments in Hindustani music.

• The tabla is a pair of hand-played drums that provide the rhythmic foundation for the performance, following the tala.
• The sitar is a plucked string instrument known for its deep, resonant tones and intricate melodic patterns.
• The sarod is similar to the sitar but has a different sound due to its metal strings and fretless neck.
• The harmonium is a keyboard instrument often used to accompany vocal performances, especially in the lighter forms of Hindustani music.

Each of these instruments plays a vital role in conveying the emotional depth and intricacies of Hindustani classical music.