Hindustani Classical Music

Hindustani Classical Music is the classical musical form of north India. It is an interesting amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim traditions. Raga or melody is the basic element of this music and Khayal, Dhrupad, Dhamar, Tarana, Thumri, Dadra and Tappa are some of the popular genres of this music. Tambura or Tanpura, Sitar, Tabla, Sarangi, Flute, Santoor, Sarod, Violin and the Harmonium are the most commonly used instruments in the performance of this music.

Braj Bhasha is the most common language used in Hindustani classical music. Hindustani Classical Music comprises two major elements: Raga and Taal. While Raga is melody, Taal denotes rhythm. There are 12 notes in Hindustani Classical Music: Shadaj, Komal Rishabha, Shuddha Rishabha, Komal Gandhar, Shuddha Gandhar, Shuddha Madhyam, Teevra Madhyam, Panchama, Komal Dhaivat, Shuddha Dhaivat, Komal Nishadh and Shuddha Nishadh. Amir Khusro is considered the Father of Hindustani classical music and Tansen, the legendary court musician of Akbar's reign, is the most famous Hindustani Classical musician. Today, Hindustani Classical Music has several nationally and internationally acclaimed performers such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Zakir Hussain.