Difference Between Carnatic and Hindustani Music

If you’re a fan of Indian classical music, then you’ve probably heard of both the Carnatic and Hindustani styles. But what’s the difference between them? In this blog post, we’ll look at each style’s history and key features. We’ll also discuss the popularity of each style, the important difference between Carnatic and Hindustani music, and some of the popular musicians in each genre. So if you’re curious about Carnatic vs. Hindustani music, read on!

Origin 

There were two main types of classical music in India during the medieval period: Carnatic music from South India and Hindustani classical music from North India. 

Indian music has a long and illustrious history, distinguishing two distinct types of classical music made in the 13th century. Amir Khusro was the first to combine Persian and Mughal elements in North India, bringing forth intricate Persian and Mughal influences. Later, Sadarang and Adarang helped popularize Khayal singing. Tansen and other contemporary composers mostly stuck to Dhrupad. Shyama Shastri, Thyagaraja, Muthuswamy Dikshitar, and Saint Purandardas are credited with the creation of Carnatic Music.

Carnatic and Hindustani music has been influenced by several factors, including Persian and Arabic music. However, each system has developed unique characteristics that make it distinct from the others.

Key Features of Each Style

Eventhough there are some  difference between Carnatic and Hindustani music , each  music has their own importance.

Hindustani Music

Hindustani music is a type of North Indian classical music that features intricate improvisation and complex rhythmic patterns. The melodies are often based on ragas, scales that specify which notes can be played at what time. The music is traditionally performed in two distinct styles: khayal and Thumri. Khayal is the more popular style and features longer compositions with greater emphasis on improvisation. On the other hand, Thumri is a more intimate style that features shorter compositions and a greater focus on the lyrics. Regardless of the style, Hindustani music is characterized by its intricate melodies and beautiful sound.

1. The social significance of the song is emphasized, as well as its moral construction (Nadi and Samvadi swars).
2. The clap is recited at a fast tempo, popularly known as ‘Joda.’ There is no taal following it.
3. Full swars are considered complete, after which the distorted swars are introduced.
4. The sound of singular notes is called ‘Tilawal.’
5. The swars have a lot of range and adaptability.
6. There are specific time limits that must be adhered to. Morning and evening ragas exist.
7. Taals are regular.
8. The ragas of Hindusthani music are based on gender distinctions.
9. When switching ragas, there is no such thing as a Hindustani music ratio.
10. The main instrument used is the tabla, which is a percussion instrument. It consists of two drums: the dayan, which is played with the left hand, and the bayan, which is played with the right. The sitar is a plucked string instrument commonly used in Hindustani music. It has a long neck and a gourd-shaped resonating chamber. The sarangi is a bowed string instrument commonly used in Hindustani music. It has a wide range and can imitate the human voice.

Carnatic Music

This type of classical music from southern India typically features complicated rhythms and detailed melodic patterns. The tunes usually follow specific ragas, or scales, that dictate which notes can play and when.

The two distinct styles of music traditionally performed are Kriti and varnam. Kriti is the more popular style and features longer compositions with greater emphasis on improvisation. Varnam, on the other hand, has a more intimate style that features shorter compositions and a greater focus on the lyrics. Carnatic music, which can come in different styles, is wonderfully complex and lovely to listen to.

Main characteristics of Carnatic music

1. This sort of music may be turned down or up.
2. Kundali swaras are employed.
3. Both slow and quick rhythms characterize the raga.
4. The vocalist recites the ‘aalap’ and ‘taanam’ at the beginning of the song.
5. The swars (notes) are named according to the shrutis. They usually follow after the initial sound has been emitted.
6. Mukhari is the name given to the eternal sound of harmonies.
7. The time lengths in Carnatic music are extremely precise. The ‘Vilamba’ is twice as long    as the ‘Madhya,’ whereas the ‘Dhruta’ is twice as long.

Difference between Carnatic and Hindustani music

Carnatic and Hindustani music are the two main traditions of Indian classical music. Both styles have their origins in the Vedic scriptures and share many common features. However, there are also some important difference between Carnatic and Hindustani music  .

The difference between Carnatic and Hindustani music includes:

1. Carnatic music has its roots in the southern part of India, while Hindustani music has its roots in the northern region.
2. Carnatic music is more focused on melody, while Hindustani music emphasizes rhythm.
3. As a result, Carnatic music tends to be more lyrical and fluid, while Hindustani music is more lively and energetic.
4. A soloist usually performs Carnatic music, while Hindustani music features ensembles.
5. Each system has its own repertoire of compositions characterized by different ragas (melodic scales).
6.  The two systems also use different instruments, with Carnatic music often featuring the veena, mridangam, and Hindustani music using the sitar and tabla.
7. Carnatic music is more rigid in its structure, with 72 specified ragas and a prescribed singing style that allows for more freedom to improvise. In contrast, Hindustani music has 6 major ragas. Both genres are equally important, but Carnatic music emphasizes the role of instruments and vocal music, while Hindustani music focuses more on vocal music.
8. In Carnatic music, there is more emphasis on Swara(notes), while in Hindustani music, there is more emphasis on sur(melody).
9. Ragas in Carnatic music have strict rules, while in Hindustani music, they are flexible.
10. Tala(rhythm) in Carnatic music performs with more variations, while Hindustani music performs with less variation.
11. Carnatic music has more connection with lyrics, while Hindustani music connects with the Swara(notes).
12. In Carnatic music, instruments are classified as melodic and percussion, while in Hindustani music, they are classified as wind and string.
13. Carnatic music is more melodic and has a slower tempo, while Hindustani music is more rhythmic and has a faster tempo
14. Carnatic music typically uses one drone note (or “tanpura”), while Hindustani music uses multiple drone notes
15. Carnatic music features elaborate ragas with many scales and modes, while Hindustani music features simpler ragas with fewer scales
16. Hindustani classical instruments include the sitar, sarod, tabla, and shehnai, while Carnatic classical instruments include the veena, mridangam, ghatam, and kanjira.

Similarities

1. Swara, raga, and tala are the fundamental components of both Carnatic and Hindustani music.
2. Hindustani music emerged in the Vedic period, whereas Carnatic music grew out of the Bhakti movement. To a certain degree, both are connected with religion.
3. India has two classical music sub-genres: Carnatic and Hindustani. Carnatic music developed from ancient Hindu traditions, while Hindustani emerged as a separate form due to Persian and Islamic influences in North India.
4.  Sanskrit-based music and Vedic traditions have both evolved.

Famous Carnatic Musicians

1. Shri Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer

Indian vocalist Shri Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer was the youngest recipient of the Sangeetha Kalanidhi award in 1947, given by the Music Academy. The Government of India bestowed several honors upon him, including the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan (1953), the Sangeet Natak Academy award (1953), Isai Perarignar from the Government of Tamil Nadu, and Kalidas Samman from the Government of Madhya Pradesh

People have described him as the “father” of Carnatic Music and he was also known as the “Pitamaha,” or great sire, of modern Carnatic music.

2. Madurai Mani Iyer

Mani Iyer, popularly known as Mani Iyer (Tamil: ), was an Indian Carnatic music vocalist well-known for his distinct sound. Many people revered him as a Carnatic vocalist during the first half of the 20th century.He was an excellent singer of kalpana swarams, neraval, and raga alapana. People still greatly admire his music today.

3.M. S. Subbulakshmi

The great Indian Carnatic singer, Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi, was from Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The Government of India awarded the Bharat Ratna to her as the first musician. In 1974, Srimati M. S. Subbulakshmi won the Ramon Magsaysay award, which cited her “exacting purists” consider her the best representative of classical and semi-classical songs in South India’s Carnatic style of music. 

Famous Hindustani Musicians

1.Ravi Shankar

Ravi Shankar, often called Pandit, was an Indian musician who won a Grammy Award on multiple occasions for his talent with the sitar. Shankar received three esteemed national civil honors in India: the Padma Bhushan in 1967, Padma Vibhushan in 1981, and lastly, the Bharat Ratna in 1999.

2.Nikhil Banerjee 

Nikhil Banerjee was one of India’s most prominent sitar players during the second half of the 20th century. Nikhil Banerjee charmed audiences with his suave singing style, easy performance style, and wonderful stage presence. He was truly a legend of Hindustani music. He never achieved the acclaim of Vilayat Khan or Ravi Shankar, but he did gain wide respect and a devoted following from many music enthusiasts.

3.Hariprasad Chaurasia

Hariprasad Chaurasia is a world-renowned bansuri player from North India.Chaurasia is one of the few but growing number of classicists who have made a deliberate effort to increase their fan base by reaching out and broadening it. He is one of the most accessible Hindustani musicians and has done a lot to make bansuri and classical music more popular.

Conclusion

In short, Carnatic music evolved in South India while Hindustani music developed in the North. Both music systems are rich in history and tradition, with many famous musicians and composers coming from both styles.We hope now  you have a better understanding of the difference between Carnatic and Hindustani music!  If you have interest in learning more about classical Indian music, check out the musicmaster online training class.