Introduction to Indian Music

To many a Westerner, Indian music may be a melody without a specific beginning or a definite end. To many Indians it is more a gymnastics in sound. A help to listen has, therefore, to be provided sometimes. There are two sections: the grammatical which describes the structures of Indian music, the raga and the prabandha which helps the listeners to understand the actual way of the construction of the music. The second part is the socio-historical background and the aesthetics of Indian music which gives the necessary orientation and view point required for the appreciation of the art. This book is therefore, an attempt to introduce mainly the classical music of India to both kinds of listeners who are earnest but find the technicalities a little baffling.