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Classical Music or 'Shastriya Sangeet' - India

Any discussion on Indian Music is incomplete without taking a look at  Classical Music or Shastriya Sangeet. 

Music that is sung and played by strictly following the rules of notes, rhythm, melody and harmony is called Classical Music or 'Shastriya Sangeet' in India. Despite its strong technical connection and a tendency to follow established rules in music, Classical or Shastriya Sangeet is extremely pleasing to the ears.

Though Indian Classical Music offers a lot of scope for improvisation, musicians & artists can do so while following the rules and guidelines of such music. Ragas are the guiding force behind melodies in Indian music and musicians have the liberty to improvise after selecting the basic raga and taal format.

Classical Music forms an important part of Indian Music in India.

Shastriya Sangeet is a well art form in India and is widely popular especially with those sections of the society who have an ear for such music. Well established and distinguished performers in the field of Classical Music are bestowed with titles to their names as a mark of respect. Some of the common titles include 'Ustad' and 'Pandit', among others.

Some of the instruments associated with Classical Music include the Veena, Sitar, Bansuri. Sarangi, Sarod, Shehnai, Tabla and the Harmonium.  

Let us take a look at some of the legends in Classical Music, India

Classical Singers, Vocalists India

• Tansen

• Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan

• Parveen Sultana

• Pandit Jasraj

• Pandit Bhimsen Joshi

• Rajan and Sajan Mishra

• M.S.Subbalakshmi

• Kishori Amonkar

• Mallikarjun Mansur

• Shubha Mudgal

• Gangubai Hangal

• Prabha Atre

• Malini Rajurkar, among others

In Shastriya Sangeet or Hindustani Classical Music, some of the main vocal forms that form the base for such music include - Thumri, Ghazal, Bhajan, Khyal, Tarana, Dhrupad, Kajari, and Tappa etc.

Classical Performers India -

• Bismillah Khan - Shehnai

• Alla Rakha, Kishen Maharaj, Zakir Hussain - Tabla

• Hariprasad Chaurasia, Raghunath Seth - Bansuri

• Allaudin Khan, L. Subramaniam - Violin

• Allauddin Khan, Ali Akbar Khan, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan - Sarod

• Ustad Sultan Khan - Sarangi

• Asad Ali Khan, Suvir Misra - Veena

• Ravi Shankar, Enayet Khan, Vilayat Khan - Sitar

• Shivkumar Sharma, Omprakash Chaurasiya - Santoor