Women and Performing arts - Music
Discuss the contribution of women to Indian classical music in the twentieth century, especially in patronizing music related organizations.
1. Hindustani music (North India): Begum Akhtar, Girija Devi, Gangubai Hungal, Kishori Amonkar, Parveen Sultana, Anurahda Pal.
2. Carnatic music (South India): D. K. Pattammal, M. S. Subbalakshmi, M. L. Vasantha Kumari.
3. Sufi music: Abida Parveen, Shubha Mudgal.
4. Bollywood music: Lata Mangeshkar.
Contribution:
1. Sabha Culture - Alamelu Jayarama Iyer was the first woman to run a Sabha. She founded Muthialpet Sri Venkatesa Bhakta Sabha for providing the platform to young talent and remunerating them.
2. Popularization - Where Begum Akhtar contributed towards popularization odf Ghazals and Thumri, MS Subbalakshmi popularized Carnatic music all over the world.
3. Research - Dr. Sumati Mutatkar apart from being a vocalist from Agra Gharana also supervised numerous research programs in the field of music, as well published several books on the subject.
4. Singers like Lata Mangeshgar are from Gwalior Gharana has contributed as singer, composer – garnering world attention.
5. Women musicians like C Sarashwati Bai, Anjani Bai Malpekar, have been conferred with Sangeet Natak Akademi fellowships.
What is gharana system? Discuss their significance and contributions of some of their proponents.
Gharana system refers to a system of social organization linking musicians or dancers by lineage or apprenticeship or adherence to particular musical style.
Significance of Gharana System:
1. Strengthens bond – between Guru and Shisya: skills are passed from Guru to Shisya emboldens solidarity
2. Preservation of Culture – passing between generations through Guru-Shishya kala3. Self-Identity – builds confidence due to its uniqueness
4. Richness of culture – imparts richness to the form and has helped it survive times of incoming of various foreign elements (sometimes being shaped by it too)
Contribution of some proponents:
1. Gwalior Gharana – oldest Khayal vocal gharana; famous for its preference of basic ragas as they emphasise on lucidity and simplicity. Maddu, Hashu and Nathu at the time of Akbar developed it.
2. Maihar Gharana – youngest sitar gharana. Known for Tantriki technique. Founded by Pt Ravi Shankar, Ustad Alaudin Khan.
3. Delhi Gharana – Oldest Tabla Gharana.
4. Kirana Gharana – Known for Khayal Gayaki. One of the largest music gharana in contemporary time. Founded by Nayak Gopal.
Other facts: A music style can be called Gharana only when it is passed down three generations.
What are the salient features of Carnatic and Hindustani classic music? Discuss.
HINDUSTANI MUSIC | CARNATIC MUSIC |
Rest of Country | Confined to Karnataka, AP, TN, Kerala |
Persian and Islamic influence; Vedic chanting and folk music | Input from Devas and Devis |
Sitar, Tabla, Sarangi, Shehnai | Violin, Veena, Gottu, Mridangam |
Major forms: Dhrupad, Khayal and Tarana | Sruti, Swara, Raga and Tala: important components |
Separate repertoire for instrumental and vocal | Emphasis on Vocal music – songs are composed to be sung |
Less rhythmic and less structured | Kirti based |
This is emotional in nature | This is spiritual in nature |
Generally a solo performer | Generally a group performance |
Tansen, Amir Khusrau, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan | Composers: Purnadara Dasa, Tyagaraja |
Both are based on system of ragas. Khayal of Hindustani music has very much in common with the Pallavi of Carnatic music. Kalpana svaras are sung to the Pallavi after the different stages of development.
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