Swarangan — Hindustani classical vocal music classes in Singapore

The roots of the classical music of India are found in the Vedic literature and the ancient Natyashastra, the classic Sanskrit text on performing arts by Bharata Muni. Saamveda is perhaps the earliest literature which focuses on music and rules for music, mantra and chhanda.

The Basis of any form of Indian classical music is Shruti, Swara, Raag and Taal.

During the medieval period, Indian Music evolved into two distinct systems namely, The Carnatic (in the South) and The Hindustani (in the North).

Hindustani classical music is the music of Northern regions of India and is also called as “Shastriya Sangeet.” Hindustani Music was greatly influenced by Persian and Mughal empires causing a considerable cultural interchange. Aamir Khusrou, Miya Tansen and later court musicians like Sadarang and Adarang have made major contributions to this form of music.

In Hindustani classical music while performing a Raga the way the notes are approached and rendered in musical phrases and the mood they convey are more important than the notes themselves. This leaves ample scope for improvisation within the structured framework of the raga.

The major vocal forms or styles associated with Hindustani classical music are Dhrupad, Khayal, and Tarana which adhere to the rigorous rules of classical music. Light classical forms include Dhamar, Thumri, Tappa, Kajri, Chaiti, Dadra, Ghazal and Bhajan which do not adhere to the rigorous rules of classical music.

Indian Music evolved into two distinct systems during the medival period namely, The Carnatic (in the South) and The Hindustani (in the North).

One of the most unique and exclusive features which is incorporated in the teaching of Indian Classical Music is the “Guru - Shishya” parampara (tradition). Throughout the history of Hindustani classical music, knowledge was passed down in the family by musically gifted members. Students or disciples moved into the home of their Gurus, which helped ensure the integrity of the knowledge transfer.

The coinage “Gharana” came from the word “Ghar” (House). It is commonly observed that the gharanas are named after different places, Gwalior, Jaipur-Atrauli, Agra, Patiyala, Kirana, Rampur Bhendi bazar etc. The naming of these gharanas mostly indicates the origin of these particular musical styles or ideologies. Gharanas have their basis in the traditional mode of musical training and education. Every gharana has its own distinct features; the main area of difference between gharanas being the manner in which the notes are sung.