A Musical Trip to India

Indian classical music has been around for over 6,000 years, and is found to be enjoyed by peoples from around the world. It originates from sacred Vedic scriptures where chants developed a system of musical notes, and is closely connected to nature by taking inspiration from the seasons and times of day. These created 'Ragas' or musical moods and time cycles or 'Taals'. Ragas are the melodic framework which forms the structure of the music, and Taals refer to the rhythmic structure or beat which measures the musical time. 

Indian classical music is unique in its own way because of how it utilizes different musical elements, such as melody and rhythm. The melody of the music is the one that leads, specifically the raga, which mirrors human emotion and the natural world. Classical performances can feel like one is in meditation or on an emotional journey. The tala or taal system brings a level of rhythmic complexity that doesn't just keep the music time, but also engages in conversation with the melody by complementing and challenging it. 


Saawan by Mame Khan, India 2021


In Mame Khan's Saawan, one of the musical elements that contributes well to this culture of music is timbre. One of the most recognizable instruments in classical Indian music is the Sitar with its constant plucking throughout the song, and also the Kamaycha which is played at the beginning. The Kamaycha is an ancient bowed string instrument that originates from Rajasthan, India and is used in this song to bring the melody and to set the mood.

Another musical element that contributes to this song is the rhythm. The stringed instruments and the percussion together create a constant and steady beat that accompanies the singer in order to evoke the joy of monsoon. Its energetic and fast-paced beat reflects the celebration of rain in the desert. 


Gura To Jine by Pt. Kumar Gandharva, India 1987


In Gura To Jine, one of the musical elements that defines this song is once again the timbre. You can see that there are two sitars playing alongside a drum and another instrument, and these seem to be very essential in classical Indian music and what makes it unique from music of other cultures. 

The other element found in this song is the melody, which feels soulful and meditative to being spiritual fulfillment. This rendition by Kumar Gandharva is known for its unconventional melodic structure that reflects his individualistic approach to classical music. 

Listening to classical Indian music was an interesting experience that I enjoyed, with its soothing and emotional storytelling of its culture. I can see why its something that people from all over the world enjoy and listen to, because it provides a sense of peace and has therapeutic qualities. 


Sources:

Gharana, Art. “Art Gharana - Premium Online Music Academy.” Artgharana.com, 2026, https://www.artgharana.com/blogs/music/why-indian-music-sounds-different

Making Music. “An Introduction To: Indian Classical Music | Making

Music.” Www.makingmusic.org.uk, 12 July 2018,

https://www.makingmusic.org.uk/resource/introduction-indian-classical-music

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Comments

  1. Arianna HMarch 26, 2026 at 12:22 AM

    This was a great read! I've not listened to much classical Indian music before, thank you for sharing. I liked what you pointed out about Saawan, the reflection of joy really does come through in the rhythm of the instruments. One thing I noticed as well in the songs you shared was how the vocals and instruments seemed to mirror each other at points, sort of like they would meld and overlap in similar tones which I thought was neat.

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