# Making Music

## Overview

In the chapter “Making Music,” students are introduced to the basics of Indian Classical Music including its historical background, different forms (Carnatic and Hindustani), essential elements such as raga and tala, and practical components like songs and rhythm exercises. The chapter encourages musical appreciation and participation through performance, singing, and rhythmic vocalizations.

## Key Topics Covered

### 1. Introduction to Indian Classical Music

- **Historical Roots**: Originates from the Vedas, making it an ancient tradition.
- **Two Main Styles**:
- *Carnatic Music*: South Indian classical tradition.
- *Hindustani Music*: North Indian classical tradition.
- **Transmission**: Passed orally from guru to shishya (student) forming a strong teacher-student bond.

### 2. Core Concepts in Indian Classical Music

#### A. Raga
- A melodic framework based on a specific set of notes (swaras).
- **Arohana (Aroh)**: Ascending sequence of notes.
- **Avarohana (Avroh)**: Descending sequence of notes.
- Present in both Carnatic and Hindustani music systems.

#### B. Tala (Taal)
- A rhythmic cycle used to measure musical time.
- Each song is set to a specific tala that maintains rhythm throughout.

### 3. Carnatic Music Compositions

#### Song: *Vande Meenakshi*
- **Composer**: Muthuswami Dikshitar
- **Raga**: Shankarabharanam
- *Arohana*: S R2 G3 M1 P D2 N3 S
- *Avarohana*: S N3 D2 P M1 G3 R2 S
- **Tala**: Eka tala (4-beat cycle)
- **Language**: Sanskrit
- Lyrics are structured with melody matching the rhyme "Indi Bindi Shindi."

#### Song: *Sri Gana Natha*
- **Composer**: Purandara Dasa (Father of Carnatic Music)
- **Raga**: Malahari
- *Arohana*: S R1 M1 P D1 S
- *Avarohana*: S D1 P M1 G3 R1 S
- **Tala**: Rupaka tala (6-beat cycle)
- Lyrics praise Lord Ganesha and are performed with rhythmic structure and melody.

### 4. Konnakkol — The Language of Rhythm

- Vocal expression of percussion in Carnatic music.
- **Examples of Konnakkol Patterns**:
1. *ta ki ta*
2. *ta ka dhi mi*
3. *ta ka dhi mi ta ka jhu nu*
- Used to develop rhythm skills and accompany songs vocally.

### 5. Hindustani Music Composition

#### Bandish in Raga Bhupali
- **Composer**: Pt. Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande
- **Raga**: Bhupali
- *Arohana*: S R G P D S
- *Avarohana*: S D P G R S
- **Taal**: Teen Taal (16-beat cycle)
- **Tali** (claps): Beat 1, 5, 13
- **Khali** (wave): Beat 9
- **Bandish Title**: *Naman Kar Chatur*
- Combines lyrical meaning with structured melody and rhythm.

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## New Terms and Simple Definitions

| Term | Definition |
|-------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Raga | A pattern of musical notes used to make melodies |
| Arohana | Notes played or sung in ascending order |
| Avarohana | Notes played or sung in descending order |
| Tala/Taal | Repeating rhythm pattern that helps keep time in music |
| Eka Tala | A rhythm cycle with 4 beats |
| Rupaka Tala | A rhythm cycle with 6 beats |
| Teen Taal | A rhythm cycle with 16 beats used in Hindustani music |
| Konnakkol | Speaking rhythm syllables in Carnatic music |
| Bandish | A fixed composition in Hindustani music |
| Swara | Musical note in Indian classical music |

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## Practice Questions

### Easy (3)

1. **What are the two main styles of Indian Classical Music?**
*Answer*: Carnatic and Hindustani
*Explanation*: These styles evolved in South and North India respectively.

2. **What does 'Arohana' mean?**
*Answer*: Ascending order of swaras (musical notes)
*Explanation*: It’s the upward scale of a raga.

3. **Who is called the Father of Carnatic Music?**
*Answer*: Purandara Dasa
*Explanation*: He composed many songs and systematised teaching methods.

### Medium (2)

4. **What is the tala used in the song 'Sri Gana Natha'? How many beats does it have?**
*Answer*: Rupaka Tala, 6 beats
*Explanation*: It’s a rhythm cycle in Carnatic music with 6 beats per cycle.

5. **What is the structure of Teen Taal?**
*Answer*: 16 beats divided into 4 sections with claps on beats 1, 5, and 13, and a wave on beat 9.
*Explanation*: These divisions help musicians maintain rhythm.

### Difficult (3)

6. **Write the Arohana and Avarohana of Raga Bhupali.**
*Answer*:
- Arohana: S R G P D S
- Avarohana: S D P G R S
*Explanation*: These are the ascending and descending scales of Bhupali.

7. **What is the difference between Konnakkol and Bols?**
*Answer*: Konnakkol is used in Carnatic music, while Bols are used in Hindustani music.
*Explanation*: Both are vocal percussion systems but belong to different traditions.

8. **Name a composition by Muthuswami Dikshitar and its raga.**
*Answer*: *Vande Meenakshi*, Raga Shankarabharanam
*Explanation*: A classical Carnatic song set to a 4-beat Eka tala.

### Very Difficult (2)

9. **Analyze the rhythmic structure of the Bandish ‘Naman Kar Chatur’. What Taal is it set to and how does its beat structure support the lyrics?**
*Answer*: Set to Teen Taal (16 beats) with strategic placement of syllables matching the taal structure.
*Explanation*: The lyric flows with the clapping and waving pattern, maintaining rhythm and melody.

10. **Explain how oral tradition shapes the learning of Indian Classical Music.**
*Answer*: Through direct interaction, the student learns not just the notes but emotional expression and subtle variations.
*Explanation*: Oral transmission preserves tradition and builds a deep guru-shishya bond.

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