5.4 Historical development and patronage systems

Hindustani classical music's roots trace back to ancient Hindu traditions, evolving through centuries of cultural exchange. The Mughal Empire's influence and the gharana system shaped its development, while 20th-century artists like Ravi Shankar 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 Natyashastra 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 sitar
• In the 20th century, Hindustani music gained global exposure through the work of influential musicians like Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar 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 Bhakti movement 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
• Sufi mysticism also had an impact on Hindustani music, particularly in the development of the qawwali 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 court patronage
  • Persian instruments like the sitar and tabla became central to Hindustani music, while genres like the dhrupad and khayal developed in the Mughal courts
  • The Mughal emperors, particularly Akbar and Aurangzeb, 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 All India Music Conference, emerged as new sources of patronage and helped to promote and standardize Hindustani music

Modern Patronage Systems

• In the 20th century, All India Radio 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 Dover Lane Music Conference in Kolkata and the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival 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 fusion projects 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 Bhatkhande Music Institute 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 Sangeet Natak Akademi 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
• Globalization 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