Origin of Indian Classic Music and Dance

There are various traditional forms of Indian music and dance that have traced their origin to a very early period of the Indian civilization. During the Vedic Period (1500 – 500 BCE), Indian music was in the form of Vedic hymns: the style was strictly for chanting and not singing. These songs were sung during religious rituals and celebrations. The origins of this style of music are in north India; Hindustani classical music evolved through cross-pollination between the Indian and Persian styles. The diverse geographical areas of India fostered the evolution of various folk music forms, and they possess their instruments, beats, and tunes. These folk traditions may depict customs of the place, tribal or group practices, work activities, and social interactions.

Bhakti and Sufi Movements Of the Hindu and Muslim medieval period, the influence of the Bhakti movement on Indian classical music and the Sufi movement on Urdu and Persian Ghazals were appreciable where music and Poetries were more emotional and based on spirituality. Indian dance Originated in the ancient period of India. Information about Indian dance is mentioned in the ancient books of India and also in the treatise written on performing arts by Bharata Muni named Natya Shastra. There are different types of dance, music, and drama are described in it. Classical Indian dances, in particular, are rooted in the religious dances and performances that were presented in the temples. As well as in that time and nowadays, dance served as a form of worship, or rather, sacred movement. It has also been noticed in this article that there is evidence that Indian music and dance have been associated with many cultures from different parts of the world, such as Persian, Central Asia, Europe, and so on. Sing and dance have remained quite distinct from the Indian repertoire and have, over the years, developed into classical, folk, and contemporary music/dance forms that are performed and enjoyed even today.