Indian Culture and Indian Music

India. Bharat. Hindustan. Different names; different ideas but one entity. It is difficult to define what 'Indian' means and what represents it. Is it represented by the snow clad Himalayas? Or by the evergreen forests in the Konkan? Is it the colourful holi festival of Benaras? Or the Rajbhog of Bengal? All these are part of being Indian. 'Indian' isn't a mere adjective; it is a spirit.

Since ages, India has been know for its traditions and rich culture. The Aaryans, the Mughals, the British; all had an influence on this Indian culture. India assimilated different ideas, views and styles and yet remained a unique culture in itself.

A culture of a region is described by the cultural symbols. Language, music, dance forms, architecture, mural art- all these are cultural symbols that define the intricacies of the philosophy and the life-style of that region. With so many different languages and philosophies, what essentially represents the Indian spirit?

Indian culture today has been influenced by global trends. In such a situation, the traditions and historic accounts are said to be the true representatives of the true Indian culture. However, different regions in India have different cultural tradition. However, it is interesting to note that there still lie cross-cutting commonalities between these cultures that unite to form the 'one' Indian Culture. The Indian Music stands as an at example of this.

Indian music has gone a long way from the Samaveda of the Aryans to the fusion music of the globalized Indians. The Indian Classical music is recognized as the traditional or art music of India. The contemplative and spiritual essence of Indian culture is very well represented by the Indian Classical Music.

Indian classical music has evolved with time. It began with the Saamgaan of the Aryans, then was influenced by the Persian airs and the southern culturalities- thus dividing the music into two spheres: Hindustani Shastriya and Carnatic music. These two styles became the classic folk music styles of India, forming the bases of all other music genres that took root in India. Indian classical music has the answer to all the scientific, philosophical and aesthetic aspects of music and so is an independent art form in itself. Understanding Indian Classical music is thus understanding the roots of Indian culture; appreciating Indian Classical music is thus assimilating the traditional philosophies of India.