Music of India
Ancient Tamil music, deeply embedded in the cultural heritage of Southern India, presents a profound musical tradition that dates back thousands of years. Defined by its distinctive melodic structures, rhythmic patterns, and cultural significance, this musical legacy offers a unique window into the artistic expressions of Tamil-speaking regions. Ancient Tamil
Music of India
In the northeastern state of Manipur, nestled amid verdant landscapes and rich cultural heritage, thrives an art form steeped in elegance and storytelling finesse: Manipuri classical dance. A dance form renowned for its gentle and lyrical movements, Manipuri dance is a captivating visual narrative that echoes the cultural essence of
Music of India
The Nāṭya Śāstra, originally written in Sanskrit (नाट्य शास्त्र) and found in Kannada (ನಾಟ್ಯಶಾಸ್ತ್ರ) and Telugu (నాట్య శాస్త్ర) translations, stands as a seminal Sanskrit treatise on the performing arts. Traditionally attributed to the sage Bharata,
Music of India
Jayadeva, also spelled Jaideva, remains a luminary figure in Sanskrit literature, flourishing during the 12th century. His indelible mark lies in the celebrated epic poem, the ‘Gita Govinda,’ a magnum opus that intricately weaves the tale of Krishna’s impassioned love for the gopi, Radha, against the backdrop of spring.
Music of India
It hosts India’s oldest classical music festival, the Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan, and is home to at least two gharanas of vocal music and one of percussive music. It is the birthplace of some of the biggest icons of the Hindustani form. Its sacred music is rooted in dhrupad and
Music of India
The Pakhawaj, a barrel-shaped, double-headed drum, originates from the Indian subcontinent. It stands as the precursor to various double-sided drums like the mridangam in Southern India and the kendang in Maritime Southeast Asia. Initially crafted from clay, its evolution has seen the use of diverse materials. Primarily associated with the
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Rithvik Raja, among the younger stars of the Carnatic vocal scene, has an astonishing estimate to share. Of the around 1,000 Carnatic classical concerts scheduled in Chennai this festive season, close to 650 feature musicians under 30. The figure is stunning because classical music around the world has a
Music of India
The Veena stands as a quintessential symbol within the realm of Indian classical music, holding a revered position as one of the oldest and most revered musical instruments in the world. Its delicate strings and resonating body encapsulate the essence of Indian musical traditions, portraying a rich cultural heritage that
Music of India
Indian classical music, with its rich fabric of intricate melodies and rhythmic patterns, has long been revered as a profound art form. Beyond its auditory allure, Indian classical music has transcended the confines of its sonic realm, influencing various facets of culture, including literature. This article delves into the intricate
Music of India
N Rajam is surprised that you see a quartet of women violinists from across three generations of a family as an inspirational saga of feminist triumph. “Really? Things have changed now, no?” she asks, strong eyebrows raised in mild amusement. You argue back. What about gender discrimination? Male dominance in
Music of India
In the realm of Hindustani classical music, the tala serves as the rhythmic backbone, guiding and structuring the intricate melodic and improvisational elements of a performance. The evolution of tala has been a journey spanning centuries, interwoven with the rich tapestry of Indian cultural heritage, diverse regional influences, and the
Music of India
Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form originating from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is renowned for its intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and compelling storytelling. In the realm of Indian classical arts, it occupies a place of profound cultural significance, representing the synthesis of music, dance, and theater. Parallel to