Indian Music / Nada Yoga - Some broad genres of Indian Music
[ Below are some more or less raw and random notes !]
The topic of "Indian Music" is a mixture of many different broad overall genres with names like 'Indian classical music', or ' Hindustani classical music', or 'Karnatic music', or 'Thumri', or 'Khayal', or 'dadra', or 'kajri', or 'bhajan' , or 'ghazal' , or 'geet' etc ... and even 'Bollywood' is its own most widely heard and popular genre currently.
The reason being Indian music is a super set of all these different forms. Much like the country of India actually encompasses many different languages, peoples and cultures.
[ I guess It is similar to saying European music or if Europe was defined as one country. There would be so many different cultures and varied forms within that. In any case, I guess you got the point about 'Indian Music'. If you are from India or that region it would be easier to comprehend the diversity within the overall form of music or the term used here i.e. Indian Music. ]
Indian Classical Music:
- Indian classical music is a complex and ancient musical tradition that has two main branches: Hindustani and Carnatic.
- It emphasizes intricate melodies, intricate rhythm patterns, and improvisation.
- Hindustani Classical Music:
- Hindustani classical music is the classical music of northern India.
- It includes genres like Khayal, Thumri, Dadra, and Ghazal.
Carnatic Music:
- Carnatic music is the classical music of southern India, with a strong emphasis on vocal performances.
- It's characterized by intricate rhythms, complex melodic structures, and improvisation.
Khayal:
- Khayal is a popular genre in Indian classical music.
- It involves elaborate and improvisational singing, focusing on exploring the emotional content of a composition.
Thumri:
- Thumri is a semi-classical music genre that originated in North India.
- It's known for its emotive and romantic expressions and often features light classical forms.
Dadra:
- Dadra is a light classical form with a 6/8 rhythm cycle.
- It's often used in semi-classical and lighter musical compositions.
Kajri:
- Kajri is a folk-based genre associated with the rainy season.
- Its lyrics often revolve around love and the emotions stirred by the monsoon.
Ghazal:
- Ghazal is a poetic and musical form that expresses emotions, often focusing on themes of love and separation.
- It's characterized by its distinct rhyme and refrain pattern.
Geet:
- Geet refers to songs with a simple structure and lyrical content, often focusing on various emotions and themes.
- It's commonly found in various Indian music styles, including classical, semi-classical, and light music.
Bollywood Music:
- Bollywood music refers to the songs and musical compositions featured in Indian films.
- It's a fusion of various styles, including Indian classical, folk, pop, and Western influences.
Folk music:
Every region of the country has its own very distinctive folk music repertoire.
For example :
From the Indian region of Bengal, there are genres like
Baul: Songs of spiritual and divine love.
Bhatiyali : Songs of fishermen singing on boats
From the Indian region of Rajasthan:
Maand : It is a folk style as well as a raga the famous song in this genre is 'kesariya baalam'
Paanihari:
Ghumar: Women group dancing
From the Indian region of Punjab:
Bhangra: dance for harvest etc
Jugni: usually at weddings
Devotional/Spiritual:
Bhajan:
A bhajan is a devotional song or hymn that is sung in praise of a deity, usually in a group setting.
Bhajan is usually sung by one singer and has its grammar in Indian Classical music. Bhajans are
a common form of devotional expression in Hinduism. They are meant to invoke a sense of
devotion, love, and surrender to the divine. Bhajans often have a simple and repetitive structure,
making them accessible to a wide range of people.
Kirtan:
Kirtan is a participatory musical practice that involves call-and-response singing of devotional
chants, usually led by a main singer or group of singers. Kirtan is prominent in Hinduism and is
also practiced in Sikhism and some forms of Buddhism.
The main singer sings a line or verse, and the group responds with the same or a related phrase.
This creates a communal and energetic atmosphere. Kirtan is known for its uplifting and ecstatic
nature, aiming to create a sense of unity and spiritual connection among participants. Krishna
devotees for example chant "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare ...."
repeatedly in the form of a Kirtan.
In the Yoga traditions and especially in the Western following of the traditions, there is sometimes
confusion about what the practices of Indian Bhakti or Devotional music and chanting involve.
Mantra, chanting, bhajan, and kirtan are all spiritual practices found in various cultures,
particularly in the context of Hinduism and related traditions.
Mantra:
A mantra is a sacred sound, word, phrase, or syllable that is repeated either silently or audibly. It holds spiritual or transformative significance. Mantras are often used as a tool for meditation, concentration, or spiritual awakening. They are believed to have a specific vibrational energy that can influence the mind and consciousness.
The repetition of a mantra can be done individually or
as part of a larger practice. Examples of mantras include short ones like
"Om," "Hari Om"," Om
Namah Shivaya", and "Hare Krishna",
as well as longer Shlokas like
"Asato ma sat gamayah.... Tamaso ma jyotir gamayah... Mrityor ma Amritam gamayah..."
Chanting:
Chanting involves the repetition of words, phrases, or sounds rhythmically and melodically.
Chanting can be both devotional and meditative. It is used to connect with a higher power,
express devotion, or create a calming effect on the mind. Chanting might involve repeating the names of deities, verses from sacred texts, or affirmations related to spiritual teachings. Chanting of a Mantra is also performed. Krishna devotees for example chant "Hare Krishna" repeatedly.
In summary,
while mantra, chanting, bhajan, and kirtan all involve repetitive spiritual practices that use sound and words, they have different focuses and contexts. Mantras are often used for meditation and transformation, chanting is about rhythmic repetition, bhajans are devotional songs with a lot more words and expressions and technical singing ability, while kirtans are community or group singing with call-and-response chanting sessions with an emphasis on unity and devotion.
Being a fan of Google and YouTube, I suggest you can use these internet options to get examples and explore further on this topic. I might update this Blog at a later date with some Links/URLs to the music.
Namaste 🙏
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.