Modern Indian Music

The modern period, especially during British rule, introduced structural changes in Indian music.
This was not merely stylistic change — it was institutional, technological, and social transformation.

Changes Introduced During the British Period

1. Adoption of Western Instruments

Indian musicians adopted instruments such as → Violin, Clarinet
Interestingly, the violin — originally Western — became deeply integrated into Carnatic music and is now indispensable in concerts.

2. Orchestration

Before the modern era:

• Performances were intimate
• Often limited to courts, temples, or select audiences

Modernity introduced:

• Stage orchestration; Larger ensembles; Public concerts

This marked the shift from private patronage to public culture.

3. Technological Shift

Earlier → Music was transmitted orally (guru-shishya tradition)
Now → Gramophone recordings, Radio broadcasts, Cassettes, CDs, Digital streaming

This replaced purely oral transmission and expanded reach.

4. Institutionalization of Music Education

Traditionally → Learning occurred under the Guru-Shishya Parampara.

Modernity introduced → Music colleges, Universities, Structured syllabi

For example, in Hindustani music, institutions like those founded by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar played a transformative role. Music was democratized.

Two Major Forms of Modern Indian Music

Modern Indian music retains Indian identity but incorporates global influences.

The two most important forms are:

1. Film Music
2. Fusion Music

1. Film Music (Bollywood Music)

Film music has perhaps the widest reach among all Indian musical forms.

It combines → Classical ragas, Folk tunes, Western orchestration, Modern rhythms

Features:

• Catchy melodies | Danceable rhythms | Emotionally expressive lyrics

Film music is not bound by strict grammar like classical music. It adapts freely.

One of the most influential composers in this space is A. R. Rahman. He seamlessly blends Indian classical motifs with global soundscapes.

Film music represents popular cultural synthesis.

2. Fusion Music

• Fusion music blends Indian classical or folk traditions with → Rock, Jazz, Pop, Electronic music
• It retains Indian raga-based essence but experiments with global forms.
• Popular fusion artists include A. R. Rahman, Indian Ocean, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
• Fusion reflects cultural dialogue rather than cultural replacement.

Jugalbandi

Now let us understand a fascinating concept — Jugalbandi. The word means: “Entwined twins.” It refers to a duet performance in Indian classical music.

Features of Jugalbandi

• Two solo musicians perform together.
• Both act as equals.
• Often involves playful competition.
• Can be:
  • Vocal duet
  • Instrumental duet
  • Cross-tradition duet (Hindustani + Carnatic)

It reflects creative dialogue.

The concept of Jugalbandi is beautifully portrayed in the web series Bandish Bandits (available on Amazon Prime Video). The show depicts a musical dialogue between traditional Hindustani classical music and contemporary pop, reflecting the spirit of equality, creative tension, and cross-style collaboration.

Jasrangi

A unique innovation introduced by Pandit Jasraj

In Jasrangi:

• A male and female vocalist sing
• Two different ragas
• In two different scales
• Simultaneously

It demonstrates extraordinary control of pitch and raga.

Jugalbandi in Dance

In Kathak, there is often a Jugalbandi between the dancer and the Tabla player
It is rhythmic conversation.