Tracing the Roots of Hindustani Music: Music in the Vedic Age


The Vedic Age, the period between 1500 BC and 600 BC, is often called the “Heroic Age” of the ancient Indian civilization. During this period, Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, were composed in the northern Indian subcontinent. Both vocal and instrumental music was also held in high esteem in society. In fact, The roots of current Hindustani Music are found in the Vedas!



Music is a key component in Vedic scriptures 
Source: World History Encyclopedia

A key component of Vedic religious rituals was the music that structured the various sacrifices. The Samaveda and Atharvaveda in particular consisted of melodies, chants, and hymns.

A page from the Atharva Veda manuscript
Source: World History Encyclopedia


Samaveda manuscripts in Devanagari and Grantha scripts
Source: World History Encyclopedia

Saam (gentle words intended to win over an adversary), the essence of Vedas, means singing a Swara (musical tone) while the hymns were said to help cure illness with herbs, gain a lover or partner, maintain world peace, and describe the nature of good and evil. A scale change, or a change in the ordered sequence of notes) called ‘Uttarmandra' was also a part of Hindustani Sangeet (music) during the Vedic Period.



In Laukik music (music used for social occasions), Lok Gathas, and songs of homage to brave men and kings such as ‘Gathas', ‘Narashansi', and ‘Raibhya' were sung both for religious and social ceremonies.


Women playing music for leisure, socially
Source: Khan Academy


Initially curved like the body of the bamboo bow, Veena was the most developed and practised musical instrument. First mentioned in Yajurveda, it is said that it is not enough if one merely knows to play the veena, he should also know the instrument's secrets and how it responds to a devoted disciple!


Renowned painting Malabar Lady with Veena by Raja Ravi Verma
Source: Wikipedia Commons


It is important to note that our understanding of music in the Vedic era is based on textual references, as there are no surviving musical notations or recordings from that time. Nevertheless, the Vedic period laid the foundation for the rich musical traditions that followed Indian classical music and contributed to shaping the cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent.


A plaque with a dancer and a Veena player, circa first-century B.C. 
Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art




By Ira Sharma

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Gupta Gambit: The Incredible Story of Chess and Ludo

Image
   The Gupta kings ascended the throne to India in the 4th Century CE. They swiftly manoeuvred their way through the several principalities sprinkled throughout North India and cemented their place as the Maharajadhiraj or “The king of the kings.” They established a reign of peace that brought about significant innovation and discoveries in science, mathematics, art, and architecture. Scholars like Kalidasa, Varamihira, Shankuntala, Aryabhatta, Sushruta, and Vatsyayana flourished in the Gupta Courts. Hence, the period between the 4th and 6th centuries CE is known as the Golden Age of India.  The origins of Chess can be traced back to this Golden era. It began as Chaturanga, which translates to “four limbs”, corresponding to the four parts of the Gupta army –the Infantry, War elephants, Chariots, and Cavalry. Chaturanga crossed the Indus into Iran as Chatranj, which climbed its way over the Zagros into Arabia and came to be known as Shatranj. Ancient chess travelled east ...
Read more

Notes of Devotion: Exploring the Essence of Qawwali

Image
“ When there was no Earth, no universe, No moon and sun, and no heaven When the secret of being was not revealed, When there was nothing, there was only you .” A translation of a qawwali text by an unknown Urdu poet for the song “Allah Hu” (“God Is!”) Source: The Art of Qawwali Qawwali , a mesmerising form of devotional music deeply rooted in Sufism, originated in medieval India. Since then, it has not only been a tool of artistic expression but also a powerful means to convey spiritual messages and foster a sense of unity among diverse communities. Its enchanting melodies and poetic lyrics have transcended time and space and continue to have a profound effect on listeners. Source: Pixels/Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Painting by Catf The art form traces its roots to the early years of Sufism, from around the 13th century, when Sufi mystics began gathering for “sama”(communal rituals and spiritual gatherings). These gatherings involved the recitation of devotional poetry accompanied by simple...
Read more

The Yamuna's Deluge & North India's Soaked Fate

Image
Once again, North India finds itself submerged in torrential rains, as if caught in an endless loop of soggy déjà vu. The recent deluge has not only disrupted the lives of millions but has also offered a sombre reflection on the existing state of affairs regarding flood management. In order to delve into the facts, establish pertinent parallels, and expose the structural challenges that perpetuate this recurring predicament, let us understand the issue through a historical lens. Source: Raj K Raj / Hindustan Times In a truly remarkable display of its water-wielding prowess, the Yamuna River has swelled to its highest levels in 45 years, reaching a staggering 208.66 metres and surpassing the previous record. As the waters engulfed vast areas of the national capital, they made a dramatic attempt to reclaim their ancient course, cheekily reaching the walls of the Red Fort. Netizens couldn't resist pointing out that  “ a river never forgets," as if the Yamuna were on a mission to ...
Read more