History of Classical Music in Pakistan & India: A Journey Through Tradition and Sound

Author By : Rajab Ali

Introduction: The Significance of Classical Music in South Asia

Classical music in South Asia is more than just sound—it’s culture, spirituality, and tradition woven over centuries. India and Pakistan share a common musical heritage, particularly in Hindustani classical music, which has influenced countless generations. Classical music serves not only as entertainment but as a medium of devotion, storytelling, and cultural expression.

This article explores the history, evolution, key figures, and contemporary significance of classical music in Pakistan and India, providing a deep understanding of its enduring legacy.

Origins of Classical Music in South Asia

Ancient Roots

• Traces back to Vedic chants and scriptures (1500–500 BCE)

• Music was integral to religious ceremonies

• Instruments included flute (bansuri), veena, drums (mridangam), and bells

Influence of Sanskrit Texts

• Natya Shastra (200 BCE–200 CE) codified musical theory

• Introduced Ragas (melodic frameworks) and Talas (rhythmic cycles)

• Highlighted music’s role in emotion, devotion, and storytelling

Early Music in the Indian Subcontinent

• Patronized by kings, temples, and monasteries

• Oral traditions passed music across generations

• Early styles laid the foundation for Hindustani and Carnatic systems

Development During Medieval Period

Medieval Influences (8th–16th Century)

• Islamic influence during Delhi Sultanate and Mughal era

• Integration of Persian and Central Asian music

• Introduction of instruments like sitar, sarod, tabla

• Emergence of court music and classical gharanas (schools)

Hindustani vs Carnatic

Evolution During the Mughal Era

• Mughal emperors patronized classical musicians

• Tansen (16th century) became legendary in Akbar’s court

• Development of Khayal and Dhrupad styles

• Court music emphasized intricate ragas, improvisation, and elaborate performances

Classical Music in Pre-Partition India

• Classical music flourished under princely states

• Gharanas (schools) preserved distinct styles

• Music intertwined with poetry (ghazals, thumris) and devotional traditions

• Instruments like sitar, sarangi, and pakhawaj became prominent

Famous Maestros of the Era

• Ustad Allaudin Khan (Senia Maihar Gharana)

• Bade Ghulam Ali Khan (Patiala Gharana)

• Amir Khan (Indore Gharana)

Impact of Partition on Classical Music

Partition of 1947

• Split India and Pakistan

• Many musicians migrated, shaping musical culture in new Pakistan

• Classical music remained a bridge between cultures

Pakistan’s Musical Landscape Post-Partition

• Strong emphasis on Hindustani classical

• State support for music academies

• Radio Pakistan promoted classical performances

Classical Music Schools and Gharanas

Major Gharanas in Hindustani Music

1. Patiala Gharana

   • Known for powerful voice, intricate taans

2. Gwalior Gharana

   • Oldest khayal tradition

3. Agra Gharana

   • Emphasis on layakari (rhythmic play)

4. Maihar Gharana

   • Fusion of instrumental and vocal traditions

Influence on Pakistan

• Lahore and Karachi became cultural hubs

• Maestros trained students who kept traditions alive

• Institutions like National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) continue legacy

Instruments That Define Classical Music

String Instruments

• Sitar, Sarod, Veena, Sarangi

Percussion Instruments

• Tabla, Pakhawaj, Mridangam

Wind Instruments

• Bansuri (flute), Shehnai

Keyboard and Modern Integration

• Harmonium (introduced later)

• Electronic adaptations in contemporary fusion

Vocal Styles in Classical Music

Hindustani Vocal Forms

• Dhrupad: Ancient devotional style

• Khayal: Improvisational, dominant form today

• Thumri & Dadra: Semi-classical, lyrical, romantic

Carnatic Vocal Forms

• Kriti: Structured devotional songs

• Varnam: Learning piece for mastery of ragas

• Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi: Improvisational, artistic showcase

Role of Poetry and Lyrics

• Ghazals, bhajans, qawwali influenced classical music

• Poets like Mir Taqi Mir, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and Amir Khusro shaped lyrical content

• Music became vehicle for spiritual and emotional expression

Classical Music in Modern India and Pakistan

Post-Independence India

• All India Radio promoted classical performances

• Film industry incorporated classical elements

• Fusion music gained popularity

Post-Independence Pakistan

• Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television broadcast classical performances

• Pioneers like Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and Roshan Ara Begum kept traditions alive

• Music festivals and academies nurtured talent

Contemporary Revival and Fusion Trends

• Fusion with jazz, pop, and world music

• Revival of rare ragas and instruments

• Youth engagement via YouTube, Spotify, and social media

• Collaborative projects across India and Pakistan

Challenges Facing Classical Music

• Declining patronage

• Competition with commercial music

• Limited mainstream media exposure

• Preservation of oral traditions

Solutions

• Music schools and academies

• Government and private funding

• Digital archiving and online tutorials

Notable Maestros in Recent Decades

Classical Music’s Cultural Significance Today

• Preserves historical identity

• Provides spiritual and emotional depth

• Influences film, pop, and fusion genres

• Encourages cross-border collaboration and peace-building

How to Explore Classical Music Today

• Attend live performances and music festivals

• Follow music academies and gharanas

• Learn instruments or vocal techniques

• Stream recordings online (YouTube, Spotify, Saavn)

Conclusion: A Living Legacy

The history of classical music in Pakistan and India is millennia-long, rich with innovation, devotion, and cultural exchange. From Vedic chants to global fusion performances, classical music continues to adapt while preserving tradition. Its influence on modern music, both in South Asia and worldwide, ensures that this heritage will thrive for generations.

Classical music is not just historical—it’s a living, evolving art form that connects the past, present, and future.