Evolution of Indian music

Nostalgia is the most appropriate word to recall those melodies of 70s and 90s, with angelic vocals, soulful tunes, meaningful lyrics, many instruments and a hundred background dancers moving in a sync.

But then the century changed and so did the music, we moved on from those much natural and situational songs with authentic percussion and were now much into those commercial item numbers, those mechanical tunes and electronic beats with meaningless pop lyrics.

The evolution of Indian music is a rich and diverse journey that has seen significant changes over the centuries, including shifts in instruments and styles.

The transformation from traditional instruments to contemporary electric beats is a fascinating story.

Here’s an overview of this evolution:

Traditional Indian Music

1. Classical Music : India has a strong tradition of classical music, which includes two major forms: Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian). These classical traditions are characterized by a wide range of traditional instruments, such as the sitar, tabla, veena, and mridangam.
2. Folk Music : India’s vast cultural diversity has led to a variety of folk music traditions, often accompanied by traditional instruments like the dhol, dholak, and flute. These styles are deeply rooted in regional and cultural contexts.

Incorporation of Instruments

1. Fusion and Experimentation : Over the years, Indian musicians began experimenting with various genres and instruments, leading to fusion music. This fusion brought together traditional Indian instruments with more contemporary ones like the guitar, keyboard, and synthesizer.
2. Bollywood Influence : Indian film music, especially Bollywood, played a significant role in popularizing fusion music. Bollywood songs often feature a blend of classical instruments and modern elements.

Contemporary Music

1. Emergence of Electric Instruments : With advancements in technology, electric instruments like the electric guitar, synthesizers, and electronic drum kits became prevalent in Indian music.
2. Pop and Rock : India saw the rise of pop and rock music, with bands incorporating electric instruments into their performances. Artists like Parikrama and Indian Ocean are notable examples.
3. Electronic and EDM : The electronic dance music (EDM) scene in India has gained popularity. DJs and electronic music producers use synthesizers and digital technology to create energetic beats.
4. Fusion Genres : Fusion genres like Indi-pop and Indi-rock emerged, blending traditional Indian instruments with contemporary beats. A. R. Rahman’s work, especially the "Vande Mataram" album, is a prime example of this fusion.
5. Independent Music : Independent music artists have embraced electric instruments and modern technology to produce and promote their music. This has been facilitated by the internet and social media.

Global Impact

1. Indian Fusion on the World Stage : Indian fusion music, influenced by traditional instruments and modern beats, has gained international recognition. Musicians like Ravi Shankar and Zakir Hussain have introduced Indian music to global audiences.
2. Collaborations : Collaborations between Indian artists and international musicians have become common, creating a cross-cultural exchange of music and ideas.

The evolution of Indian music from traditional instruments to electric beats reflects the dynamic nature of Indian culture and its openness to adapt and experiment.

While traditional music continues to thrive, contemporary Indian music, infused with electric instruments and global influences, showcases the country’s ability to bridge the past and the future in a harmonious way.

Hopefully my work was informative enough to add some value to your life. 😇