Dipesh Chakraborty

Indian classical music is the classical music of the Indian subcontinent.[1] It has two major traditions: the North Indian classical music known as Hindustani and the South Indian expression known as Carnatic.[2] These traditions were not distinct until about the 15th century. During the period of Mughal rule of the Indian subcontinent, the traditions separated and evolved into distinct forms. Hindustani music emphasizes improvisation and exploration of all aspects of a raga, while Carnatic performances tend to be short composition-based.[2] However, the two systems continue to have more common features than differences.[3]

The roots of the classical music of India are found in the Vedic literature of Hinduism and the ancient Natyashastra, the classic Sanskrit text on performing arts by Bharata Muni.[4][5] The 13th century Sanskrit text Sangeeta-Ratnakara of Sarangadeva is regarded as the definitive text by both the Hindustani music and the Carnatic music traditions.