A quick glimpse of Indian folk and classical music

Music is the elixir of life. It is intrinsic in human nature. A music hater is not only an oddity but has more of demoniac than godly qualities in him, albeit, all are not singers, instrumentalists or dancers. But a kind of acceptability and tolerance towards music is found in every human being.
Well, music in association with lyric is the handiest and convenient medium of letting out one’s innermost feelings related to joy and sorrow on account of many things pertaining to daily life.
If it’s in fancy music flowed in human mind in crude form. It may logically be assumed that humming had been the first form of vocal music which man copied from the bee, the rhythmic sound of his axe falling on the branches of tree, to split them in fire wood, must have given him the concept of rhythm.

Anyhow, race of music had to keep pace with the human civilization. At one stage simple humming started being studded with words, and gradually the entire lifestyle, pertaining to special occasion and day to day activities as well, started being depicted in lyrics which could be sung.

That is how vocal music was originated. Such a musical composition sounded more mellifluous when associated with rhythm. Peacock dancing in the rains must have given the concept of dancing in human mind.

Classical music (Shastriya Sangeet) is so named because it is the exponent of the exponents of the rules and regulations set by the great maestros in a consolidated form which brought about this stream of fine arts known as above.

Folk (Lok Sangeeth) or country music are composed in various dialects such as bhojpuri, bundelkhandi, santhali and the chain is endless. As this stream flourished mostly in rural areas of various parts of India it still retains its basic characteristics. Being nearer to common comprehension folk music is able to regale more listeners than classical music, which is appreciated only by selected few who have either some knowledge of basic nut and bolts of the same or has a natural liking for it.

Classical music is known as “Marg Sangeet” and folk music as “Deshi Sangeet” or also as “Lok Sangeet”.

To sum up we may affirm that classical music is based on man made theories and principals but folk music is a spontaneous outcome of human emotions and natural inspiration. One is based on prescribed directives; the other is related to social traditions, which are hard to change. One is knowledge based and other is society based. Both these forms of music are in one way are correlated to each other too. This is because music and the notes are bound by nature. Music is a sound which is good to hear. Indian folk music has been protected and nurtured by cultural societies of the country and has been given an encouragement to flourish with the help of government aid and other cultural forums. Classical music has been taken to new heights by famous maestros and their pupils all across the world.

Linus Orakles
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