Hindustani classical music did not appear overnight. It is the result of centuries of evolution, blending many cultural streams.
Ancient roots
Early roots lie in Vedic chant and temple music, where pitch and intonation were already important for ritual recitation.
Texts like Natya Shastra and later Sangeet Ratnakar describe early concepts of swar, shruti, raga, and tala.
Medieval period and regional styles
Over time, music diversified into:
- Temple and devotional traditions (bhajans, kirtans).
- Folk and regional music (village songs, seasonal forms).
- Early classical forms like Prabandha and later Dhrupad.
Mughal era and fusion
With the arrival of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal courts, Persian and Central Asian influences interacted with Indian traditions:
- Figures like Amir Khusrau are credited with pioneering new forms and blending cultures.
- Court musicians developed Dhrupad further and later Khayal, Tarana, and other forms.
Gharanas and modern era
In the 18th–19th centuries, gharanas crystallized around key courts and families. With the 20th century came:
- Recording technology and radio.
- Large public concerts and music festivals.
- Global tours and fusion collaborations.
Today, Hindustani music exists in:
- Traditional concert halls and festivals.
- Film and popular music.
- Online platforms, streaming, and education apps.
Through all these changes, the core idea of raag and taal has remained surprisingly stable – a living link between ancient chants and modern stages.