In India, music is broken down into two main types, folk and classical. These two categories are very similar; but they are played by different social classes. Many different social classes enjoy and perform folk music, while classical music is played mainly by the upper class. These two categories of music are similar in rhythm, meters, and ragas (a series of 5 or more musical notes that a melody is made from).
More than 500 different folk instruments have been collected in India but musicians say that is just the tip of the iceberg. Several folk instruments have been adopted by classical musicians. A sarangi has been a favorite accompaniment instrument in classical circles. The shehnai is also a popular instrument in both groups.
Classical music, first performed only in temples and courts, has its origins as a meditation tool for achieving self-realization. One of the most intricate and complete musical systems ever developed, it uses incredibly small intervals of sound. The sound is monophonic consisting of melody without accompanying harmony. Some popular Indian instruments include sitar, sarod, tambura, shehnai, sarangi and tabla.
Indian Instruments - Categories
