Q. Indian classical music has played a significant role in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening national integrity. Critically analyze with suitable examples.
17,Sep 2024
Posted By : SPM Academy
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Indian classical music, a profound symbol of the country’s cultural heritage, has been instrumental in preserving ancient traditions and fostering unity amidst diversity. As Pandit Ravi Shankar once said, “Music is a universal language, crossing all boundaries and bringing people together.” Indian classical music exemplifies this, bridging regional, linguistic, and social divides, while nurturing a shared national identity.
Role of Indian Classical Music in Preserving Cultural Heritage
A. Safeguarding Ancient Traditions
Continuity of Knowledge: Indian classical music, both Hindustani and Carnatic, has preserved ancient traditions, including the oral transmission of knowledge through the guru-shishya (teacher-student) tradition. This has ensured that the compositions, ragas, and talas of classical music have been passed down through generations, maintaining a living connection to India’s past.
Cultural Identity: Classical music forms a vital part of India’s intangible cultural heritage, representing the philosophical and religious diversity of the country. The music is often intertwined with religious practices and festivals, such as the Dhrupad in North India and the Thyagaraja Aradhana in South India, which are essential to the cultural identity of various communities.
B. Promotion of Unity in Diversity
Pan-Indian Appeal: Indian classical music transcends regional, linguistic, and religious boundaries, contributing to a shared cultural consciousness. For example, the Raga system is common to both Hindustani and Carnatic music, symbolizing a shared musical framework across different regions.
Integration of Folk and Classical Traditions: Classical music has absorbed and integrated elements from various regional and folk traditions, enriching its repertoire and fostering cultural exchange. The Bhakti and Sufi movements, which heavily influenced classical music, promoted social harmony by integrating devotional music across different sects and communities.
C. Inclusion of Regional Variants
North-Eastern Influences: The classical music tradition of India has also been enriched by the cultural expressions from the North-East. The Manipuri Sankirtana, a traditional form of music and dance that narrates the life of Krishna, has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Similarly, the Borgeet, a form of devotional music from Assam, created by Srimanta Sankardev, has classical roots and contributes to the region’s cultural identity.
Folk-Classical Fusion: In the North-East, the fusion of folk elements with classical music can be seen in the performances of artists like Bhupen Hazarika, who blended Assamese folk traditions with classical music, thereby contributing to the national integration of diverse cultural expressions.
Role in Strengthening National Integrity
A. Cultural Integration
National Festivals and Concerts: National festivals like the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards and concerts such as the Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav bring together classical musicians from across India, promoting cultural exchange and national unity. These events serve as platforms where artists from different regions perform, fostering a sense of shared cultural heritage.
Promotion of Secularism: Indian classical music, with its spiritual and philosophical roots, transcends religious boundaries. For example, the Sufi music tradition, deeply rooted in Hindustani classical music, promotes the message of love and unity, resonating with audiences across religious lines. This promotes secularism and strengthens national integrity.
B. Cultural Diplomacy
Global Representation: Indian classical music has played a significant role in cultural diplomacy, representing India’s rich cultural heritage on international platforms. The global recognition of artists like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Zakir Hussain has brought Indian classical music to the world stage, fostering a sense of pride and national unity within India.
Cross-Cultural Exchange: The exchange between Indian classical musicians and their counterparts from other countries has enriched the global music scene, creating a dialogue that transcends national boundaries. This not only strengthens India’s cultural identity but also contributes to a global understanding of its cultural diversity.
Challenges and Criticisms
A. Urban-Rural Divide
Limited Accessibility: Classical music, often perceived as elitist, has limited accessibility in rural areas where folk traditions dominate. This urban-rural divide creates a gap in cultural continuity and challenges the inclusivity of classical music.
Commercialization: The commercialization of classical music, with a focus on urban audiences, risks alienating the broader population. This shift towards commercialization may dilute the traditional aspects of classical music, undermining its role in preserving cultural heritage.
B. Cultural Homogenization
Dominance of Certain Traditions: The focus on mainstream traditions like Hindustani and Carnatic music often overshadows the classical forms from less represented regions, such as the North-East. This can lead to cultural homogenization, where the diversity of Indian classical music is not fully acknowledged or promoted.
Neglect of Regional Forms: Regional classical forms like Manipuri and Assamese classical traditions receive less attention and support, both in terms of patronage and institutional backing. This neglect threatens the survival of these unique cultural expressions.
Way Forward
A. Promoting Inclusivity
Support for Regional Music Forms: Greater emphasis should be placed on promoting and preserving regional classical forms, particularly from the North-East and other underrepresented areas. Government initiatives like the Zonal Cultural Centres and schemes under Sangeet Natak Akademi can be strengthened to support these traditions.
Integration of Folk and Classical Traditions: Efforts should be made to integrate folk elements into classical music to make it more relatable to a broader audience, ensuring that classical music remains a living, evolving tradition.
B. Educational Initiatives
Music Education in Schools: Incorporating Indian classical music into the school curriculum can help in cultivating an appreciation for this art form from a young age. This can be particularly impactful in the North-East, where traditional music forms can be integrated into classical music education.
Digital Platforms for Wider Reach: Leveraging digital platforms to make classical music more accessible to younger generations and rural audiences can bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, ensuring that classical music remains relevant.
Indian classical music, in the words of Swami Vivekananda, is “the highest form of the purest of human emotions.” It plays a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and promoting national unity. However, to sustain its relevance, we must address challenges like cultural homogenization and limited accessibility. By promoting inclusivity and education, Indian classical music can continue to unite and enrich the nation’s diverse cultural fabric.
