Indian classical music has its roots in the Samaveda. Over time it developed into two traditions: Hindustani music in the north and Carnatic music in the south.
Basic terms
Term
Meaning
Swara
A musical note. The seven swaras are Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni.
Raga
A set of notes used to create a melody with a particular mood.
Tala
The rhythmic cycle of a piece.
Gharana
A school or family style of Hindustani music.
Hindustani and Carnatic
Hindustani
Carnatic
Region
North India
South India
Main forms
Dhrupad (the oldest), Khayal, Thumri, Tappa, Tarana
Kriti, Varnam, Tillana
Key figures
Tansen (court of Akbar), Amir Khusrau
Purandara Dasa ("father of Carnatic music"); the Trinity – Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri