Lesson 7: Performing Art Heritage of India
Performing arts reflect the living culture, spiritual values, and historical synthesis of Indian society. This lesson explores the evolution of Hindustani and Carnatic classical music, legendary masters (Amir Khusrau, Tansen), indigenous musical instruments, classical & folk dances across states, ancient theatre origins (Bharata's Natyashastra, Jarjara legend), 4 styles of puppetry, and street theatre (Nukkad Natak).
Evolution & Forms of Indian Music
Hindustani, Carnatic, Martial, and Regional Folk Traditions
3 Primary Music Traditions
• Hindustani Music: A blend of Indo-Turko-Persian musical styles that developed in Northern India during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal eras.
• Carnatic Music: South Indian classical tradition deeply rooted in devotion (Bhakti), temple rituals, and the Guru-Shishya system since the 8th century.
• Folk Music: Spontaneous musical expressions of common masses, regional communities, and ethnic groups (e.g., Manganiar & Langas in Rajasthan; Dom & Mirasi in North India).
Amir Khusrau (1253–1325 CE)
Known as 'Tutiye Hind' (Parrot of India), born in Patiali (Etah, UP). He synthesized Arabic, Persian, and Indian music. He is credited with inventing the Sitar and pioneering genres like Qawwali and Tarana. He was a close disciple (murid) of Sufi saint Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya.
Miyan Tansen & Gwalior Gharana
Born in Gwalior, disciple of Swami Haridas. Served Raja Ram Chand of Baghelkhand before joining Emperor Akbar's court as one of the Navratnas. Master composer of the Dhrupad style. His legacy formed the Gwalior (Seniya) Gharana. The annual Tansen Sangeet Sammelan in Gwalior remains a premier cultural tourism attraction.
Martial & Kashmiri Traditions
• Martial Music: Played on battlefields by musicians like Hapa Charan and Mian Lal Khan; Dadis of Rajasthan sang Sindhu style to inspire soldiers.
• Kashmiri Folk Music: Enriched by Sultan Hasan Shah and Queen Habba Khatun (who created Rast Kashmir). Popular folk styles include Chhakri, Tambur Naghma, and Bcha Naghma.
Taxonomy of Indian Musical Instruments
Classification, structural features, and legendary virtuosos
| Category | Instruments | Key Structural / Historical Characteristics | Renowned Maestros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind (Aerophonic) | Flute, Shehnai, Naga Svaram | Flute referenced in Vedas & Ajanta/Sanchi art; Shehnai used in North Indian weddings; Naga Svaram is long auspicious Tamil temple instrument. | Ustad Bismillah Khan (Shehnai, Bharat Ratna 2001) |
| Plucked String (Chordophone) | Tanpura, Veena, Sitar, Gottu Vadyam | Tanpura made of dry gourd (North) or wood (South); Veena is ancient Saraswati instrument; Sitar has 7 strings (5 steel, 2 brass). | Pandit Ravi Shankar (Sitar, Bharat Ratna 1999) |
| Bowed / Striking String | Sarod, Sarangi, Santoor, Rabab | Sarod derived from Rebab; Sarangi means 'Sau Rang' (100 colors) matching human voice; Santoor is Kashmir trapezoid played with Mezrab mallets. | Ustad Amjad Ali Khan (Sarod), Pandit Shivkumar Sharma (Santoor) |
| Percussion (Membranophone) | Tabla, Mridangam, Chenda, Pakhawaj, Dhol | Tabla for Hindustani rhythm; Mridangam ('body of clay') for Carnatic music; Chenda cylindrical drum of Kerala Kathakali/Koodiyattam; Pakhawaj for Dhrupad. | Ustad Zakir Hussain (Tabla, Grammy Winner) |
Classical & Regional Folk Dance Traditions
Ancient roots (Harappa/Mohenjodaro), Devdasis, and pan-Indian folk festivals
Performed during 9 nights of Navratri around a central Garbha Deep (lamp). Dandiya uses decorative wooden sticks. Attracts millions of domestic and foreign tourists.
Gidda is a graceful female circle dance with clapping. Bhangra is a high-energy harvest dance derived from the ancient martial dance bagaa, accompanied by dhol and chimta.
Derived from Lavanya (beauty). Performed by women wearing 9-yard saris to fast beats of Dholaki drum in theatrical Tamasha format.
Ghumar developed by Bhil tribe to worship Goddess Saraswati. Kalbelia is performed by snake-charmer tribe featuring fluid serpent-like movements.
Lai Haraoba ('Festival of Gods' in Manipur) performed by Maiba and Maibi priests. Bihu is Assam's joyful seasonal harvest dance.
Karagam involves balancing water/rice pots on head while walking to rain goddess temple. Kavadi Aattam involves male pilgrims balancing milk pots on poles.
Indian Theatre, Puppetry & Nukkad Natak
Bharata's Natyashastra, Jarjara legend, 4 puppetry forms, and street play activism
Classical Roots & Jarjara Legend
Drama originated from Sanskrit root Nrit (to dance). Bharata's Natyashastra is revered as the 5th Veda, and actors are called Bharata Putras. Legend holds that Jarjara (setting up Lord Indra's flag staff) was performed on stage to protect performers from demons (Danavas/Rakshasas).
Tavernier's 17th C. Street Show Account
French traveller Jean-Baptiste Tavernier documented street jugglers on the Agra-Surat route who wrapped red-hot iron chains around their bodies unharmed and performed a trick where a wooden stick anointed with razor blood grew into a leafed, flowering mango tree before onlookers.
4 Structural Styles of Indian Puppetry
- String Puppets (Kathputli): Jointed limbs controlled by strings (Rajasthan, Odisha, TN, Karnataka). Traced to 2nd century BC text Silappadikaram.
- Shadow Puppets: Flat leather figures illuminated from behind screen (AP, MH, TN, Kerala, Karnataka).
- Glove / Palm Puppets: Operated by hand; index finger controls head, thumb/middle finger control arms.
- Rod Puppets: Controlled by rods from below, larger in size (West Bengal, Odisha).
Nukkad Natak & Safdar Hashim
Street plays performed in public squares, factory gates, and marketplaces to generate socio-political awareness. Celebrated pioneer Safdar Hashim (Jan Natya Manch) sacrificed his life on January 2, 1989 while propagating street theatre.
Performing Arts as Cultural Tourism Drivers
Music festivals, festival circuits, and souvenir art conservation
Events like Tansen Sangeet Sammelan (Gwalior), Khajuraho Dance Festival, and Konark Dance Festival attract thousands of international and domestic cultural tourists annually.
Navratri in Gujarat (Garba/Dandiya), Shigmo in Goa (Morulem), Bihu in Assam, and Chaitra festival in Mayurbhanj convert entire regions into vibrant tourist destinations.
Tourist patronage provides direct economic support to hereditary folk artists (e.g., Langas, Manganiars, Kalbelias, Puppeteers), ensuring the survival of endangered traditional arts.