Music – Dance of India

Indian traditional music is based on the Hindu religious beliefs and folklore of its people. The Vedas describe it as a meditation tool for attaining self realisation.

It has three main categories classical, folk and tribal.The aim of the performances is to create a mood of ecstasy and trance.

The two main branches are Hindustani from the north and Karnataka or Carnatic in the south. Both have a combination of melody called Raga and rhythm called Taal.

Raga can be sung or played on a stringed instrument such as the most well known Sitar.

Taal is provided by drums, such as the Tabla which has two drums one the Dayan which produces the higher notes and the Bayan the lower notes.

Other instruments include sarod, sarangi or dhrupad, khayal, ghazal or raga, tala, gharana.

Dance is closely linked to the Hindu religion; its aim was to take the message from the temples to the people.

India’s rich mythology and folk legends, Hindu Gods and Goddesses like Vishnu, Shiva and Lakshmi, Sita are all depicted in these dances.

Each dance form also draws inspiration from stories depicting the life and beliefs of the Indians.

Kathakali dancers wear elaborate costumes and play different characters, only men can become dancers.

Bharata Natyam dancers combine strength and grace with hand gestures to tell the story.

Odissi is a gentle form of temple dancing and Manipuri wear coloured costumes and perform hypnotic movements.

The Muslim influence of fast, exciting spins and stomping is performed by the Kathak of the north.