Vedic Music: An Introduction to Ancient Indian Musicology

Music has been an integral part of Indian culture since ancient times. The Vedas, which are the oldest sacred texts of Sanatan(Hindutva), contains hymns and chants that are the foundation of Indian classical Or Vedic music. Vedic music is a genre of music that is based on hymns and chants. In this article, we will explore Vedic music, its history, traditional classification, musical theory, musical instruments, and sources of reference.

What are Vedic Hymns?

Vedic hymns are religious verses that are found in the four Vedas - Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. These hymns are composed in Sanskrit and are dedicated to various deities. The Rigveda, which is the oldest of the Vedas, contains a collection of over a thousand Mantras (hymns) that are recited during religious ShastraVidhi(rituals). These Mantras (hymns) are divine revelations and are the foundation of Indian classical Or Vedic music.

Traditional Vedic Chanting Classification

Vedic Jap(chanting ) is a form of recitation that is based on the Vedas. It is divided into three categories - Samhita, Pada, and Krama. Samhita chanting involves reciting the Mantras (hymns) as they are written in the Vedas, without any breaks or pauses. Pada chanting involves reciting each word of the hymn separately, while Krama chanting involves sequentially reciting the hymn.

Vedic Music Theory

Vedic music theory is based on the concept of Nada Brahma, which means that sound is divine. According to Vedic music theory, music is not just an art form, but also a means of spiritual upliftment. The seven swaras - Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, and Ni - are the building blocks of Indian classical Or Vedic music. The combination of these swaras in various permutations and combinations gives rise to different ragas, which are the basis of Vedic music.

Vedic Musical Instruments

Several musical instruments are used in Vedic music. The Veena, which is a stringed instrument, is one of the oldest musical instruments in India. The Sitar, which is also a stringed instrument, is commonly used in Indian classical Or Vedic music. The Bansuri(Flute), which is a bamboo flute, is another popular musical instrument that is used in Vedic music. The Mridangam and Tabla are percussion instruments that are commonly used in Vedic music.

Which Veda deals with Music?

The Samaveda is the Veda that is dedicated to music. It contains a collection of hymns that are set to music and are meant to be sung during धार्मिक(religious ) ShastraVidhi(rituals). The Samaveda is also the earliest written text on Indian classical Or Vedic music.

Vedic Chanting

Vedic Jap(chanting ) is an important aspect of Vedic music. Chanting the Vedic Mantras (hymns) can have a profound effect on the mind and body. Vedic Jap(chanting )is often used as a form of meditation and has healing properties.

Natyashastra

The Natyashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on performing arts, particularly theatre, dance, and music. It was written by the (Sant)sage Bharata Muni around the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE, and it is the oldest and most authoritative text on Indian performing arts.

The Natyashastra provides a detailed description of various aspects of performing arts, including stage design, costumes, makeup, gestures, postures, acting techniques, music, and dance. It also explains the theoretical and philosophical principles underlying the performing arts and their relationship to Indian culture and society.

The Natyashastra has had a profound influence on Indian performing arts and has been a source of inspiration for generations of artists and scholars. It continues to be studied and practiced in India and around the world.

Sources of Reference

There are several sources of reference for Vedic music. The Natyashastra, which is an ancient Indian text on performing arts, contains detailed information on music and musical instruments. The Sangita Ratnakara, which is a 13th-century text, is another important source of reference for Indian classical Or Vedic music. The Sama Veda, which is one of the four Vedas, is also a valuable source of information on Vedic music.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Vedic music is a genre of music that has been an integral part of Indian culture since ancient times. It is based on the Mantras (hymns) and Jap(chant) found in the Vedas, which are considered to be the foundation of Indian classical Or Vedic music. Vedic music theory is based on the concept of Nada Brahma, which emphasizes the divine nature of sound. Vedic Jap(chanting ), which is an important aspect of Vedic music, has profound effects on the mind and body. The musical instruments used in Vedic music, such as the Veena, Sitar, Bansuri, Mridangam, and Tabla, have a long and rich history. Finally, there are several sources of reference for Vedic music, including ancient texts such as the Natyashastra, Sangita Ratnakara, and the Sama Veda.

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ISKCON, The International Society for Krishna Consciousness_____________