The Difference between Hindustani and Carnatic Music

Origins

Hindustani classical music has its roots in Vedic traditions where hymns in Sama Veda, a sacred text, were sung rather than chanted and Carnatic music developed significantly during the Bhakti movement.

However, from the 12th Century, changes between Hindustani and Carnatic music began to occur due to Persian and Mughal influences in the north while Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in the south of India see the development of the Carnatic Sangeet.

The Music

Raga and Tala

Raga and Tala form the basis of Indian music.Hindustani and Carnatic music may have the same ragas but the name of the ragas and the way they are performed is different.

There are 6 principal ragas and 10 modes or thaats in Hindustani music. In Carnatic music, there are seven notes to the scale which contain semitones and these come with melodic constraints. The Raga are organized into various modes known as melankara of which there are 72.  The system for classifying ragas known as Melankara is attributed to Venkat Mukhi Swami. The ragas in Hindustani music comprise various bandish[i], which follow a set format and combination of notes. This does not allow much leeway for the composer. They are usually handed down from generation to generation.There is far more freedom in Carnatic music.

Carnatic music is written to be sung in a specific way. The singing style is of lesser importance in Hindustani music although there are several traditions of singing called gharanas which has its roots in ancient Hindu traditions.

Performance

Words

In Hindustani music, the language used is quite formal and words are not articulated clearly. The reason for this was that concerts usually occurred in muslim courts where reference to Hindu gods was underplayed in order to keep it a secret. In Carnatic songs the saints are revered and the words are very clear and well articulated. The meaning and pronunciation of the words is very important in conveying the mood of the performer.[ii]

Hindustani music is very particular about performing songs that refer to a particular time of day. If the words are about the afternoon, it will not be sung in the evening. There are no restrictions of this kind in Carnatic music.

Improvisation

Hindustani music has a particular format in the way music and improvisation is presented. This is less formal in Carnatic music.

Tempo

Hindustani music is very expressive and often in slower speeds with long note values, The music grows in intensity depending on the emotion the performer is trying to express.The speed in Carnatic music remains fairly constant and is generally in a fast tempo. The note values are also shorter.

Ornamentation

Hindustani music uses a fair amount of ornamentation and improvisation to develop the emotional aspect. The progression from one note to another is slow and smooth. In Carnatic Music there are fast oscillations between two notes. The music is less intense and does not use as much ornamentation. It is more spiritual and intellectual.

Instruments

Instruments that are used in Hindustani music include the tabla, sarangi, sitar, santoor, and clarinet as opposed to the Carnatic music which uses the veena, mridangam, mandolin, and jalatarangam.

The violin and flute are common in both. Because Carnatic music is mainly vocal, a melody played  on an instrument it is done in a singing style.

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