What are the similarities between Hindustani music and Carnatic music?
Asked by Dinesh M Last Modified
Follow 5 
Answer 
Abhijith Sastry
Senior(Exam) in Carnatic Music. Expert in Light music, devotional songs, folk songs etc
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...
read more 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
3
Comments
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....
read more 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
1
Comments
Carnatic and Hindustani are two popular forms of Indian Classical music. Both have similar ragas with different names. Different way of presentation as in Alap, etc.
1
Comments
Usha Shankar Ram
Tutor
Few rsgas resemble; but the names will be different, only when dung we may identify
0
Comments
Usha Shankar Ram
Tutor
Both are monophonic, follow a melody line, few ragas are similar but with different names
0
Comments
Ishaan Nigam
Indian Classical Music Vocal Instructor with 4 years of Experience. MA in Indian Classical Vocals.
In Hindustani Classical Music we generally try to hit the straight notes too...but in Carnatic Music the initial training begins with the sliding of notes(meend).
0
Comments
As I see it, Karnataki music has been restrained in terms its exploits for making light music. Hindustani classical has moved into practically every genre. But this is not stastical statement.
0
Comments
Even though Carnatic music and Hindustani music are two different styles of singing, there are similarities like Swara, Raga and Tala, which are all the same.
0
Comments
There are a lot of ragas that are shared by both streams of music besides the common aspects such as sur and taal. Eg: Kedar and Hamirkalyani, Sohini and Hamsanandi, Yeman and Kalyani, Durga and Suddha Saveri etc
0
Comments
Shwetha Devanahally
Carnatic Vocalist And PlayBack Singer
Music is divine. Both carnatic and hindustani music are inter-related. They are the best forms of music. Carnatic music has a set of definitions and it is more concentrated on thala and swaras. In hindustani music it is all about he flow of raagas. The major differnce is the presentation of music by...
read more Music is divine. Both carnatic and hindustani music are inter-related. They are the best forms of music. Carnatic music has a set of definitions and it is more concentrated on thala and swaras. In hindustani music it is all about he flow of raagas. The major differnce is the presentation of music by people. Both are beautiful art. read less
0
Comments
View 25 more Answers
Related Questions
Which ragas are for beginner? Which ragas are most important in Hindustani music? 
Evenry raga is important. For starting students can start with badic raga like Bhoopali or Yaman
5 What were the names of the brothers who were also known as the 'Tanjore Quartet'?
Tanjore Quartet were four brothers: Chinnaiah, Ponniah, Sivanandam and Vadivelu, who lived during the early 19th century and contributed to the development of Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music.
Is it essential to learn carnatic vocal before learning the violin?
No it's not. Knowing vocal would be an add on advantage to any musician.
What are the unique patterns of each raaga in Carnatic Music?
Each raga in Carnatic music is defined by unique melodic patterns that give it a distinct identity, mood, and emotional flavor, known as "raga bhava." These patterns include specific sequences of notes...
Now ask question in any of the 1000+ Categories, and get Answers from Tutors and Trainers on UrbanPro.com
Ask a QuestionRelated Lessons
Know about the Carnatic Melakartha Raagam - Gayakapriya
Gayakapriya is the 13th Melakartha Raagam out of total 72.This Raagam has to be sung and identified with the below Arohanam and Avarohanam nomenclature.The Arohanam of this Raagam is "S R1 G3 M1 P D1...
V
Daily exercises to improve your voice projection - Breathing exercises
To improve your voice projection, you can work on a daily basis with the Breathing exercises. Breathing exercises:1. Stand up, shoulders back, hands on your stomach. Let your stomach muscles relax.2....
V
Basic Breathing Exercises for better Singing, Tip-6
Do it Excercise : Sit on the floor feet tucked under you, stretch out your arms and upper body. Notice how low and expandedyour breath is in this “child’s pose” yoga position. Only...
V
Indian Classical Music - Short Information
Indian classical music has two major traditions. The North Indian classical music tradition is called Hindustani while the South Indian expression is called Carnatak. The roots of the India classical music...
M
Practice guidelines for Vocal Carnatic Music
For morning session practise practise, always sing a note (Sa) for a long time. Go one note down and sing on a sustained way. Do like this in the lower octave till whichever note you can reach in the lower...
Find Carnatic Music Classes near you
Looking for Carnatic Music Classes ?
Learn from the Best Tutors on UrbanPro
Are you a Tutor or Training Institute?
Join UrbanPro Today to find students near you
