The Evolution of Performing Arts in India- A Brief Glimpse |Music and Dance|
Two other forms of Performing Arts- Music and Dance has changed a lot over the years too. Graceful and Divine, this article focuses on the change in trend in these art-forms.
(Read more on the evolution of Storytelling, Poetry and Theatre on our previous post)
Music
‘Sangeeta’ finds its roots in the ancient Vedic literature (especially the Sam Veda) in Hinduism and has developed as a separate and advanced form of art, borrowing inspiration from both traditional Indian culture as well as Western Music. At the very beginning, Music was categorized based on the instrument used- stringed Instrument, Hollowed instrument, solid instruments and covered instruments. The 16th marked the beginning of two specific types of classical music- the Hindustani (North-Indian) structure-oriented music and Carnatic (South-Indian) lyric-oriented music. These forms diversified into specific regions (folk music such as Bihu and Borgeet in Assam, Dandiya in Gujarat, Rabindra Sangeet in West Bengal, etc.) and incorporated within itself features from the Persian and Arabian songs (Sufi and Qawaali).
Music during the British Raj survived through a few gharanas with enough money and influence to stand against the British oppression. As classical music (Khayal, Ghazal, Thumri, etc.) took a back seat, ‘pop’ music seeped into the society. The start of the Cinema incorporated a lot of fusion music, especially a mix of classical and western music such as pop, jazz, etc. Bauls of West Bengal combined elements of Sufism and Vaishnavism, preached mysticism and played music via an instrument called Ektara.
The colonialism’s lack of appreciation for the rich and varied heritage of Indian music led to conferences of notable musicians and production of quality music such as Mohammad Raza Khan’s Nagmat-e-Asaphi and S.M. Tagore’s Sangit Sar. Towards the beginning of the 20th century, Sangeet Samaj and other societies across India took over the job of teaching Classical music to individuals. Rock music and Bands featured in movies as well as stage performances, a form that was mostly influenced by Western culture.
While most of these forms are still widely practised, Independent India saw the rise of another popular genre- Indie music. Independent artists are taking over, and with poise and grace. Artists such as Vivek Verma (“Colours of Sufi”), Darshan Raval (“Dil Mera Blast”) and Prateek Kuhad (“cold/mess”) have popular songs under their name, released on platforms such as Youtube and Spotify.
Youngsters hailing from a family with no background in music such as Arjun Kanungo are coming forward with their own music, a fusion of sorts. Weekender, Echos of Earth and Spoken Words are a few platforms who have been encouraging independent artists in recent times through online and offline events. Music festivals are hiring Independent artists and Bands over Bollywood playback singers as their music resonated better with today’s audience. Music festivals such as Ragasthan(Jaisalmer), Storm(Bangalore), NH7 Weekender, Sula Fest(Nasik) and Kasauli Rhythm (Kasauli) are a great way of exploring new music or dancing to the tunes of your favourite music.
Dance
Natya shastra forms the backbone of Indian Classical Dance. Dance has been depicted through Veda, ancient scriptures as well as statues and carvings across India. Tribal, Classical and Semi-classical forms have emerged over the years. Classical dance is performed mainly through gestures whereas Tribal is a more raw approach to ancient traditions and rituals of the respective tribes. Semi-classical mixes folk dance and classical dance to form a fusion.
During the Delhi Sultanate, Kathak- the dance of the courtesans became popular. Similarly, Bharatnatyam formed its roots in South India and various regional dances flourished. As the Britishers made India their home, Dance started to get associated with prostitutes/devadasis and became an uncouth form of entertainment.
Indian dance forms started to make a mark in the early 1920s through pioneers such as Uday Shankar, Madam Menaka and Rukmini Devi, who later set up institutes to train pupils interested in learning these forms. Despite the stigma associated with Dance, people from various social status pursued their passion. The Sangeet Natak Akademi has recognized a total of 8 classical dance forms.
As the contemporary dance made its entry in India, Indians took no time to learn these new techniques and are now being recognized throughout the world for their finesse and talent. These are often performed in association with Classical forms, an idea that was borne out of Uday Shankar’s extensive knowledge of various dance forms including Ballet. Dance is ‘a manifestation of the society and its narratives’ and Indian Dance is now adapting to modern problems. The scope for innovation gives the performer the freedom to point out the various socio-political issues is gestures that are both accepted and appreciated by the audience.
Delhi’s India Habitat Centre has seen countless ‘experimental’ dance performances, oriented towards the audience’s needs, no matter the dance form. But even then, Classical dancers feel threatened by people’s growing interest in western dance forms. That is an issue that needs to be dealt with- giving each dance form the respect it deserves.
Art has emerged as a saviour during a global pandemic, time and again. It is imperative to support our artists who entertain us day in and out. Art has evolved and positively so. India is finally getting its due recognition, but there’s still a long way to go.
Mridula Gupta
