SSC CGL - Detailed Guide 2025
Self-Paced Course
Music – Classical and Folk
Reference: Lucent GK, NCERT Class 6–12
Classical Music of India
India’s classical music is broadly categorized into two traditions: Hindustani (North) and Carnatic (South). Both emphasize raga (melody) and tala (rhythm), but differ in style, structure, and instruments.
| System | Region | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hindustani | North India | Based on improvisation; uses ragas and talas; khayal & dhrupad styles; evolved in Mughal courts |
| Carnatic | South India | Compositional-based (kritis); devotional themes; fixed structure; linked with Bhakti movement |
Elements of Classical Music
| Element | Hindustani | Carnatic |
|---|---|---|
| Raga | Melodic framework for improvisation | Same concept; more rigid in rendition |
| Tala | Rhythm cycle (e.g., teental – 16 beats) | Tala cycles like Adi tala (8 beats) |
| Vocal Forms | Khayal, Dhrupad, Thumri, Tappa | Kriti, Varnam, Kirtanam |
| Key Composers | Tansen, Bhatkhande, Vishnu Digambar | Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, Shyama Shastri |
Classical Music Instruments (with system association)
| Instrument | Type | Hindustani / Carnatic |
|---|---|---|
| Sitar | String | Hindustani |
| Tabla | Percussion | Hindustani |
| Sarod | String | Hindustani |
| Shehnai | Wind | Hindustani |
| Veena | String | Carnatic |
| Mridangam | Percussion | Carnatic |
| Flute | Wind | Both |
Folk Music of India
Folk music is deeply connected to daily life, festivals, and rural traditions. It varies widely by region and community.
| Form | Region | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Bhavageet | Karnataka, Maharashtra | Emotional songs on love, nature, devotion |
| Baul | Bengal | Mystic folk music; spiritual, inspired by Sufi & Vaishnav thought |
| Lavani | Maharashtra | Fast tempo, powerful rhythm; women-centric, social themes |
| Dandiya | Gujarat | Associated with Navratri; rhythmic stick dance with song |
| Qawwali | North India (Sufi) | Devotional song form; uses harmonium, tabla, clapping |
| Bhajan | Pan-India (Hindu) | Devotional songs in praise of deities; simple melodies |
| Sufi Songs | Punjab, Delhi, UP | Spiritual, mystic, focused on divine love |
Musical Instruments of India
Categorized by how sound is produced:
| Category | Instruments | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| String (Tantu Vadya) | Sitar, Veena, Sarod | Melody producers; plucked or bowed |
| Wind (Sushir Vadya) | Shehnai, Flute | Used in classical and folk; flute linked with Lord Krishna |
| Percussion (Avanaddh Vadya) | Tabla, Mridangam, Dholak | Maintain rhythm; Dholak widely used in folk & bhajans |
Bonus Facts for Exams:
- Sitar was popularized by Ustad Vilayat Khan & Pt. Ravi Shankar.
- Shehnai was brought into classical spotlight by Ustad Bismillah Khan.
- Bhakti & Sufi movements influenced both classical and folk music forms.
- Veena is regarded as the instrument of Saraswati (goddess of learning).
Developed By Roopasree Challa
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