Learn Music with Free Lessons & Tips

Hindustani and Carnatic are two distinct styles of Indian classical music that differ in several ways, including: Origin Hindustani originated in North India, while Carnatic originated in South India. Structure Carnatic music is more structured and formulaic, while Hindustani music is more improvisational. Ragas Carnatic ragas are more demanding and have specific compositions, while Hindustani ragas are more flexible and allow for more improvisation. Instruments Hindustani music commonly uses the sitar, tabla, and harmonium, while Carnatic music commonly uses the veena, mridangam, violin, and ghatam. Vocal styles Hindustani music's main vocal forms are Dhrupad, Khayal, Tarana, Thumri, Dadra, and Gazals, while Carnatic music's improvisational styles include Alpana, Niraval, Kalpanaswaram, and Ragam Thana Pallavi. Language Hindustani music is usually sung in Hindi, Urdu, and Sanskrit, while Carnatic compositions are generally in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada. Tala system In Hindustani, the beats are known as tali and khali, while in Carnatic, 0 is dhrutam. read less