What Are the Types of Online Indian Classical Music?

5th Apr, 2022

All of us know about the unique style of Indian music that has several million or even billions of fans around the world. There are fans inside and outside of India, but you need to know that Indian classical music has influenced western music bands as old as the Beatles.

In this guide, you will know about the various types of classical Indian songs and why people undertake online classical singing classes for them. The songs vary as per the regions, periods and genres.

Hindustani vs Carnatic | Indian Classical Music

Types of Online Indian Classical Music That are Famous

Some of the online classical music that is famous in India are as follows:

1. Carnatic Music

Carnatic music was originated from South India during the times of the Vijayanagar empire as early as the 14th century. Due to it being originated in the south, it has less Asian and Persian influence and more Hindu origins other than Hindustani music. It has been a major character of film music since the last century.

2. Hindustani Music

Hindustani music is considered famous in the north, and it originated in the Vedic era along with ancient religious hymns played by the one in charge of the music. It was also a part of Carnatic music before it was divided in the 14th century due to Persian influence.

Though it is an ancient form of music, it is thoroughly represented in Bollywood and is more famous in the western world. Many people go to various music academies to learn Hindustani music.

3. Light Classical Music

This falls under the category of Indian classical music, and it also has various styles that are similar but are milder. Such types of music are known as semi-classical or light classical music.

Some of them are Bhajan, Qawwali, Kajri, Tappa, Thumri, Ghazal and Dadra. Many people in India still listen to light classical music.

What makes Indian classical music different from other music like Folk and Bollywood?

It is mainly about the context and purpose. Folk music is performed at celebrations and helps to bring communities together. Though folk music has a rich historical tradition, the classical form has been organized, studied and elaborated adequately.

On the other hand, classical music is inspired by the melodies of folk songs, but many of them require more hard work and in-depth training. Bollywood music is inspired by classical music and is composed of ‘ragas’.

The main purpose of Bollywood music is for entertainment and excitement, but Indian classical music does not provide entertainment; instead, it is for enlightenment purposes. This is a major difference between both forms of music.

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What Are the Instruments Used in Indian Classical Music?

Various instruments have been developed and used for Indian classical music, such as:

1. Sitar

The Sitar is a plucked stringed instrument used in Hindustani classical music, and this instrument flourished during the reign of the Mughals and is named after a Persian instrument. This instrument was famous during the 16th and 17th centuries and arrived at its current form during the 18th century.

It has derived its unique timbre and resonance from sympathetic strings, a long hollow neck, bridge design and a gourd-shaped resonance chamber. Many people visit music academies to learn the use of Sitar.

2. Tabla

This is a membranophone percussion instrument that originated from the Indian subcontinent, and they consist of a pair of drums used in classical, traditional and other popular music.

This has been a very important instrument in Hindustani classical music since the 18th century, and they are still used in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

3. Vocal

Many instruments aim to emulate the voice in a certain technique or expression. In North and South India, there is a strong presence of vocal music ranging from a comprehensive elaboration of ragas to light, romantic or spiritual poetry.

4. Veena

The Veena includes a family of chordophone instruments of India, and these ancient musical instruments evolved into different variations like lutes, arched harps and zithers. Various regional designs have names like the Saraswati veena, the Rudra Veena and many others.

5. Mridangam

This is a percussion instrument that originated in India and is the main rhythmic accompaniment in a Carnatic music ensemble, and in Dhrupad, it is known as Pakhawaj. It is a very famous instrument in Indian classical music.

Enroll In Kafqa Academy

Now that you know about the different types of Indian classical music and instruments used in it, you may desire to learn Indian classical music songs. To enroll in the best online classical singing classes, contact us at Kafqa academy. We have trained instructors having years of experience and expertise. We can help you learn different forms of classical music.

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