Glossary

5.4 Historical development and patronage systems

6 min read•july 29, 2024

's roots trace back to ancient Hindu traditions, evolving through centuries of cultural exchange. The 's influence and the shaped its development, while 20th-century artists like brought it global recognition.

Patronage systems played a crucial role in Hindustani music's growth. From temples and royal courts to modern state-sponsored festivals and the music industry, these systems have adapted over time. Today, musicians balance tradition with innovation in a globalized world.

Hindustani Classical Music: Historical Development

Origins and Early Development

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  • Hindustani classical music originated from ancient Hindu traditions, including Vedic chanting and the musical theory outlined in the text
  • The tradition developed significantly during the Mughal Empire period from the 16th-19th centuries, incorporating Persian influences in instrumentation, genres, and aesthetics
  • Hindustani music diverged from Carnatic music during the 12th-13th centuries as the two traditions developed separately in the northern and southern regions of India, reflecting regional cultural differences

Gharana System and Modern Era

  • The gharana system of familial lineages arose in the 19th-20th centuries, solidifying distinct stylistic schools for vocal and instrumental music that were transmitted through oral tradition and apprenticeship
    • Each gharana developed its own repertoire, techniques, and performance practices, leading to a diversity of styles within the Hindustani tradition
    • Examples of prominent gharanas include the Gwalior gharana for vocal music and the Imdadkhani gharana for
  • In the 20th century, Hindustani music gained global exposure through the work of influential musicians like Ravi Shankar and Ali Khan, who popularized the tradition in the West through concerts, recordings, and collaborations with Western musicians

Cultural Influences on Hindustani Music

Religious and Philosophical Movements

  • The from the 12th-17th centuries promoted devotional music and poetry, influencing the thematic and emotional content of Hindustani music
    • Bhakti saints composed songs in vernacular languages that expressed love and devotion to deities, which were absorbed into the Hindustani repertoire
    • The influence of Bhakti can be seen in the prevalence of religious themes and the emphasis on emotional expression (rasa) in Hindustani music
  • also had an impact on Hindustani music, particularly in the development of the genre, which combines Persian, Arabic, and Indian musical elements

Mughal Empire and Islamic Influences

  • Under the 16th-19th century Mughal Empire, Hindustani music was heavily shaped by Persian and Islamic influences in instrumentation, genres, and
    • like the sitar and tabla became central to Hindustani music, while genres like the and developed in the Mughal courts
    • The Mughal emperors, particularly Akbar and , were great patrons of music and attracted musicians from across the empire to their courts
  • The influence of Islamic culture can also be seen in the use of Urdu language in Hindustani lyrics and the incorporation of Sufi themes and symbolism in musical compositions

Patronage Systems in Hindustani Music

Ancient and Medieval Patronage

  • In ancient and medieval periods, Hindustani music was supported by temples, courts, and wealthy patrons as a sacred and elite art form
    • Musicians were often attached to temples and performed music as part of religious rituals and festivals
    • Royal courts employed musicians as court artists, providing them with salaries, training, and social status in exchange for their services
  • Patronage during this period was essential for the preservation and development of Hindustani music, as it provided a stable environment for musicians to refine their craft and pass on their knowledge to disciples

Mughal and Colonial Era Patronage

  • Under the Mughal Empire, court patronage reached its peak, with musicians receiving steady salaries, training, and high social status in exchange for composing and performing
    • The Mughal courts attracted the best musicians from across the empire and fostered a culture of musical excellence and innovation
    • Musicians in the Mughal courts developed new genres, such as the khayal and tarana, and refined existing ones like the dhrupad
  • The colonial period saw a decrease in court patronage, leading to musicians seeking support from wealthy individuals, music societies, and the emerging urban middle class
    • The decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of British colonialism disrupted traditional patronage systems, forcing musicians to adapt to new contexts
    • Music societies and conferences, such as the , emerged as new sources of patronage and helped to promote and standardize Hindustani music

Modern Patronage Systems

  • In the 20th century, and state-sponsored music festivals and conferences became important sources of patronage and popularization
    • All India Radio, established in 1936, provided a platform for Hindustani musicians to reach a wider audience and receive regular income through broadcasts and recordings
    • State-sponsored music festivals, such as the in Kolkata and the in Pune, provided performance opportunities and helped to promote the tradition
  • The modern era has seen a shift towards a market-driven system, with musicians relying on performances, recordings, teaching, and for income
    • The rise of the recording industry and music streaming has changed the way Hindustani music is consumed and has opened up new avenues for musicians to reach audiences and generate income
    • Many Hindustani musicians also rely on teaching, both in India and abroad, as a source of income and a means of passing on the tradition to the next generation

Colonialism and Hindustani Music

British Influence on Music Theory and Patronage

  • British colonialism introduced Western music theory, notation systems, and changed patronage structures, leading to standardization and institutionalization of the tradition
    • The British established music schools, such as the in Lucknow, which taught Hindustani music using Western notation and theory
    • The adoption of Western notation helped to standardize the Hindustani repertoire and make it more accessible to a wider audience
  • Colonialism also led to a decrease in court patronage, forcing musicians to adapt to new urban audiences and performance contexts
    • The decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of British rule led to the dissolution of many royal courts, which had been the primary patrons of Hindustani music
    • Musicians had to seek new sources of patronage, such as wealthy individuals, music societies, and the emerging urban middle class, and adapt their performances to suit the tastes of these new audiences

Post-Colonial Developments and Globalization

  • The 1947 Partition caused displacement and migration of musicians between India and Pakistan, disrupting gharana lineages and stylistic transmissions
    • The Partition led to the migration of many Muslim musicians from India to Pakistan, while Hindu and Sikh musicians moved in the opposite direction
    • This disruption of gharana lineages and the separation of teacher-student relationships had a significant impact on the transmission and evolution of Hindustani music
  • Post-independence, the Indian government provided institutional support for Hindustani music through state-run media, music schools, and cultural festivals
    • The Indian government established institutions like the to promote and preserve Indian classical music
    • State-run media, such as All India Radio and Doordarshan, provided a platform for Hindustani musicians to reach a national audience
  • and diaspora communities have led to the spread of Hindustani music worldwide, influencing cross-cultural collaborations and fusion projects
    • Hindustani musicians have increasingly performed and taught in countries outside of India, leading to the growth of diaspora communities and interest in the tradition worldwide
    • Cross-cultural collaborations, such as Ravi Shankar's work with Western musicians like George Harrison and Yehudi Menuhin, have helped to popularize Hindustani music and influence the development of world music and fusion genres

Key Terms to Review (23)

Akbar: Akbar was the third Mughal emperor who ruled from 1556 to 1605 and is renowned for his significant contributions to the political and cultural landscape of India. His reign is marked by policies that promoted religious tolerance, administrative reforms, and a flourishing of the arts, which greatly influenced the historical development and patronage systems of the time.
All India Music Conference: The All India Music Conference is a significant event in the history of Indian classical music that was first held in 1919 in Kolkata. This conference aimed to promote and preserve Indian classical music by bringing together musicians, scholars, and enthusiasts from across the country to discuss various aspects of music, including performance practices and theoretical frameworks. It played a crucial role in shaping the patronage systems and historical development of music in India, allowing for a platform where traditional forms could be revitalized and contemporary discussions could flourish.
All India Radio: All India Radio (AIR) is the national public radio broadcaster of India, established in 1936, which played a crucial role in the dissemination of information and promotion of cultural diversity across the country. As a significant medium for communication, AIR has contributed to the historical development of music and arts in India while influencing patronage systems by providing a platform for various regional artists and music forms.
Aurangzeb: Aurangzeb was the sixth Mughal emperor who ruled over most of the Indian subcontinent from 1658 to 1707. He is known for his military conquests, expansion of the empire, and his controversial policies regarding religion, which played a crucial role in shaping the historical development and patronage systems of music and culture during his reign.
Bhakti movement: The bhakti movement was a devotional trend that emerged in India during the medieval period, emphasizing personal devotion to a chosen deity and rejecting the rigid caste system and rituals associated with traditional religious practices. This movement played a significant role in shaping various art forms, including Carnatic music, and influenced the historical development of patronage systems within Indian society.
Bhatkhande Music Institute: Bhatkhande Music Institute is a prestigious institution in India dedicated to the study and preservation of Indian classical music, established by the renowned musicologist Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande in 1926. This institute plays a significant role in the historical development of Indian music education and has influenced various patronage systems by promoting traditional music practices and training musicians.
Court patronage: Court patronage refers to the system where rulers or royal courts provide financial and social support to artists, musicians, and other cultural figures in exchange for their services, promoting the arts and culture. This relationship often fosters a creative environment that reflects the values and tastes of the patron, allowing for the flourishing of various art forms tied to the elite class.
Dhrupad: Dhrupad is a form of classical vocal music in Hindustani music, known for its deep spiritual expression and intricate melodic structures. It has a rich history and evolved from ancient traditions, reflecting the patronage systems that supported its development over centuries. Dhrupad emphasizes the purity of sound, utilizing a slow and meditative style, making it distinct from other forms of vocal music.
Dover Lane Music Conference: The Dover Lane Music Conference is an annual music event held in Kolkata, India, that serves as a platform for classical and light music, particularly focusing on Hindustani classical music. It plays a significant role in promoting and preserving Indian music traditions, while also facilitating interactions between musicians and audiences, thereby influencing patronage systems in the region.
Fusion projects: Fusion projects refer to collaborative musical endeavors that blend different musical traditions, styles, and genres, creating innovative and hybrid forms of expression. These projects often emerge from cultural exchanges and the interaction of musicians from diverse backgrounds, fostering a dialogue between musical heritages and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Gharana system: The gharana system is a framework in Indian classical music that represents a lineage or school of music characterized by specific styles, techniques, and traditions passed down through generations. This system not only plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting musical heritage but also connects the historical development of music with the patronage systems that supported artists throughout history.
Globalization: Globalization refers to the process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, cultures, and economies around the world, driven by advancements in technology, trade, and communication. This phenomenon influences cultural exchanges, the spread of ideas, and the evolution of music, leading to contemporary fusion and collaboration while also posing challenges in preserving traditional forms.
Hindustani classical music: Hindustani classical music is a traditional form of Indian music that has evolved over centuries, characterized by its improvisational nature and rich melodic framework. This genre is known for its distinct ragas, talas, and the use of instruments like the sitar and tabla, reflecting the cultural and historical influences in Northern India.
Khayal: Khayal is a prominent vocal form in Hindustani classical music, characterized by its improvisational nature and expressive melodic lines. This form allows musicians to explore the raga deeply, blending intricate ornamentation with personal interpretation. It has evolved over centuries, reflecting the cultural exchanges and patronage systems that shaped the music of the Indian subcontinent.
Mughal Empire: The Mughal Empire was a prominent Islamic empire that ruled much of the Indian subcontinent from the early 16th to the 18th century. Known for its significant cultural and architectural contributions, it was characterized by a centralized autocratic government and a complex patronage system that supported the arts and music, influencing the development of South Asian culture.
Natyashastra: Natyashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on performing arts, encompassing drama, dance, and music. It is attributed to Bharata Muni and serves as a foundational text that outlines the theories and principles governing these art forms, emphasizing their interconnections and significance in cultural practices. The text plays a crucial role in understanding how art forms were historically developed and patronized in India, as well as their spiritual relevance within religious practices.
Persian Instruments: Persian instruments are a diverse range of traditional musical instruments originating from Iran, each with unique characteristics and significance in Persian music. These instruments have evolved over centuries, shaped by historical developments and the patronage systems that supported their creation and performance, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Iran.
Qawwali: Qawwali is a form of Sufi devotional music that originated in South Asia, particularly in the Indian subcontinent. It serves as a medium for expressing spiritual devotion and connecting with the divine, often performed at Sufi shrines or during religious gatherings. This music blends poetic lyrics with rich melodies, using various instruments to create an atmosphere conducive to spiritual reflection and ecstasy.
Ravi Shankar: Ravi Shankar was a renowned Indian sitar virtuoso and composer, who played a pivotal role in introducing Indian classical music to the Western world. His innovative collaborations with Western musicians and dedication to preserving Indian musical traditions contributed significantly to the historical development of music in both India and abroad.
Sangeet Natak Akademi: Sangeet Natak Akademi is the national academy of music, dance, and drama in India, established in 1952 to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Indian performing arts. The institution serves as a vital link between traditional arts and contemporary practices, facilitating the growth and development of various art forms through grants, awards, and recognition of artists. By functioning as an advisory body, it plays a crucial role in shaping policy and patronage systems that influence the historical evolution of Indian performing arts.
Sawai gandharva music festival: The Sawai Gandharva Music Festival is a prominent Indian classical music festival held annually in Pune, Maharashtra, named after the legendary vocalist Sawai Gandharva. This festival showcases a variety of classical music forms, fostering the historical development of Indian music and reflecting patronage systems that support traditional art forms. It serves as a platform for both established and emerging artists, celebrating the rich heritage of Indian classical music.
Sitar: The sitar is a plucked string instrument originating from the Indian subcontinent, widely recognized for its distinctive sound and intricate design. It is an essential instrument in Hindustani classical music, known for its ability to create complex melodic lines and evoke deep emotional expression. The sitar's role extends beyond traditional settings, influencing contemporary music scenes and serving as a bridge between classical and popular music.
Sufi mysticism: Sufi mysticism is a spiritual and philosophical approach within Islam that emphasizes the inner, personal experience of God through practices like meditation, chanting, and dance. This tradition seeks to achieve a direct connection with the divine, often transcending the external rituals of religious practice. Sufi mystics are known for their emphasis on love, unity, and the pursuit of divine knowledge, which has shaped cultural and artistic expressions across various societies.
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