What are the similarities between Hindustani music and Carnatic music?

A difficult question to answer because both are like two oceans for comparison. Hindustani and Carnatic Music Syatems: 1) Similarities: (i) The basic elements of Sruti (the relative musical pitch), Swara (the musical sound of a single note), Raga (the mode or melodic formulæ and Tala (the rhythmic cycles). The performance is similar set to a melodic pattern called a raga (also spelled as raag) characterized in part by specific ascent (Aroha) and descent (Avaroha) sequences, which may not be identical. Other common characteristics include Vadi and Queen Samavadi notes. (ii) A handful of ragas have a one to one correspondence on both systems. They are, Hindolam (Malkauns), Mohanam (Bhoop), Shankarabharanam (Bilawal) and Kalyani (Yaman). (iii) Similar to gamakams in carnatic style, the hindustani style employs "meend". (iv) Both are originated from India. read less

Well, before I answer, a disclaimer: this is a frivolous POV from an amateur, but read if you will. Like a true Indian student, I'll go ahead and answer in points. Carnatic Music is like the strict patriarch- ramrod straight, rigid, a stickler for rules and form, with extensive technical know-how. Hindustani music, on the other hand, is like the genial old grandma- friendly, more accessible, flexible, occasionally better/more easily understood. Getting down to subject matter, Carnatic is for the most part devotional, in praise of divinity, strewn with metaphysical teachings. While Hindustani includes issues that society tends to be more interested in and finds easier to connect with- love, longing, nature, beauty and the like. Hindustani appears more melody-intensive, focusing on voice quality/tone/quality, vocal gymnastics, raga-emotion while Carnatic, paying attention to them all, gives equal importance to specific compositions and rhythmic/mathematical wizardry. The words to compositions in Hindustani music are few and far between and of relatively little importance. But in the Carnatic tradition, the compositions are long, verbose, poetic and stand apart as individual pieces worth appreciation. Ultimately, I listen to both styles and enjoy them immensely and my answer is just my perspective, not to be judged academically. read less