Music is a language of the notes. Through music we can express our feelings in a very attractive way. Sometimes, when we can not find appropriate words, music helps us to convey that feeling in a unique way. It is a part of the Hindu religion as well as Indian culture. Technically, in very general broad terms, Indian classical music can be divided into two basic elements. It must follow a Raaga and a specific rhythm or Taala.
Indian classical music has two major branches or traditions - the North Indian called Hindustani and the South Indian tradition called Carnatic. Hindustani tradition extends all the way from Kashmir in the north, Punjab in the west to Bengal/Assam in the east, Maharashtra and north Karnataka in the south. Before independence and division of the sub-continent, the Hindustani tradition was equally strong in Pakistan and Bangladesh. The tradition has weakened in the last century in those countries. Carnatic tradition is mainly found in the four southern states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Like most other classical musical traditions, Indian classical music is only a very small, though influential part of Indian music. Folk music had been a part of the Indian society for centuries and perhaps predates the evolution of classical music.
