Music To Soul – The Indian Touch

Music is one expression that touches everybody's heart, no matter how stone hearted a person is. There is no better way of relaxing than listening to your favorite music. It might be soft songs or it be hard rock, but if you are into the music, it will sooth you. Every country has its own specialty music that makes it stand apart from the rest of the world. I have had the privilege of learning a lot about different forms of music from around the world. And I must say, there is nothing more intriguing than Indian music. India definitely has the oldest traditions of music in the world. Indian classical music has been a part of the culture since the time of Vedas. It has evolved with time to give us other magical forms, while keeping the old forms intact.

'Sangeet' is how music in India is called. Indian classical music can be divided into two major forms, Hindustani Sangeet and Carnatic Sangeet. Hindustani style is more evident in Northern India whereas Carnatic is dominantly South Indian. Since both come from the same origin, the base and the fundamentals of music are all the same; just the method of practice differs. The 'rag' (melody) and 'tale' (rhythm) are what makes a music perfect. Apart from the classical forms, there are many other styles of music. Just Imagine, there are 22 official languages and around 407 living languages in India, and each language has songs in different styles. There is so much to listen to in India. Its unfortunate that the big cities of India, are getting influenced heavily by western methods, and so is their music. Hard metal, hip hop, rap; all have increasingly become the part of younger generation. But the western intrusion stops in these metropolitan cities. You go deeper into India, people are still ignorant of music other than their own; specially the tribals. Though you will not be able to understand much, but still, spectating one of their music performances is altogether a different experience. The freshness and uniqueness is very much evident.

Music is never complete without instruments. What kind of instruments are used, creates a huge influence on the music. India has some instruments that are exclusive to India, like the Tabla and Sitar. Though they have started having a telling impact on the world stage as well. Many western artists have used these instruments in their chart buster songs. Another form that is catching up fast, is Punjabi Music. Visit any disco, and more often than not, you will be dancing to the tune of a Punjabi number. Not only in India, but even in UK. With the increasing popularity, don't think it has anything to do with the Indian population in the country.

In India, there is always a music concert going on some place or the other, just need to have the right source of information. There are many musical festivals, dedicated to those who have made invaluable contribution in the field of music. Most prominent is the Tansen Music festival, held in Gwalior city in Madhya Pradesh. One can get to listen to some of the most revered names in Indian music industry during the festival.