The melody of the violin strings; the depth of the rhythmic mridangam; the soulful sitar that sighs the songs of the soul. Sur, Taal; Shruti, talam; Antara, mukada; Pallavi, charanam. Music- no matter in what form- is an integral part of our life. Indian classical music- in the form of Carnatic in the south, and Hindustani in the north, both play a vital role in the way we live our lives, not just today but how it was lived decades ago as well. Not only are they an essential part of our culture that has gained global recognition, but it remains to this date is an in-house tradition as an attempt to pass on the part of our culture to the next generation.
Today’s generation lacks exposure to Indian classical music and hence fails to appreciate it. In the past years, there has been an attempt to restore Indian classical music in a plethora of ways, yet amongst a large population of the youth classical music is deemed as dull and brushed aside. But, have we ever stopped to realise that this art form is wound to our identity is hugely beneficial for our overall health?
From very ancient times philosophers like Plato and Confucius have emphasised the need for musical training for diplomats. Ancient Greeks, Arabs, and Indians were well aware of the healing property of music, and legends are confirming the same. Hippocratic tradition emphasised applying natural methods of healing in medical practice. Ancient Hindus believed that suffering caused by man’s uncontrolled thinking could be handled by music therapy. In India, the literature on the science of music (Gandharva tattva) dates back to the fourth century B.C. “Raga Chikitsa,” one of the ancient texts elaborates on the therapeutic role of musical melodies.
The International Journal of English Language, Literature and Humanities released a paper in December 2014, regarding the physiological effects of classical music on adolescents and mainly how music therapy can help control aggression growing children. Research has shown that music can give one a sense of the emotions they are feeling and embrace it without judgement.
Speaking in a slightly more technical manner, when music enters the sensory system, it goes to the limbic system before passing it to the prefrontal cortex (this part of the brain is linked to one’s personality and will to live). The limbic system is where the brain processes information. Music helps in developing prefrontal-limbic circuitries, thus improving emotional intelligence over and above the development of memory and learning abilities. Every human being has their way of interpretation of music. Thus this art form serves as a channel of self-expression for all.
Indian classical music has been doing the above stated for centuries. Astrophysicist and accomplished classical vocalist Priyamvade Natarajan rightly said that music doesn’t just get you into the mood but instead allows you to flow into the mode of thinking easily. Bangalore-based triathlete Anu Vaidyanathan also mentioned that classical music taught her how to negate performance- inhibiting feelings like fear and fatigue and create discipline. Indian classical music has a considerable amount of empirical musicology studying the cognitive impact of the three key elements- swara, sruti and laya in their various forms and variations.
Four generations of my family have devoted a part of their lives to learning the art form of Indian Carnatic music. Having been a disciple of the art for several years, I can vouch for the fact that music isn’t something that can be studied separately but rather as a part of culture and as a part of people’s lives. My love for music starts from the Sa Re Ga Mas. Without this integral piece of learning, I would be incapable and inefficient in understanding other forms of music and making critical judgements of my performances.
The process of learning an art form like this requires time and patience. It forces you to learn self-discipline and to be dedicated. Irrespective of how my feeling, I know after practicing or listening to Carnatic music will instantaneously make me feel better. The frequencies of the ragams resonate as I listen to tampura and my breath slows down, and a smile breaks onto my face.
Most of my mornings, at home specifically, start with the melodies of M.S Subalaxmi, or the Bombay Sisters or Ranjani-Gayatri. All accomplished singers, in the field of Carnatic music. It is a peaceful moment in the day when all you hear is a ragam that uplifts you, but at the same time gives you the space to let your mind merely be. Those musical mornings paired with a cup of brewing hot filter coffee are some of my favorite memories. And it is a feeling that I always crave going back to.
Chords & Co. 