Where did Indian music originate?

The origin and development of Indian music can be traced back several millennia. The roots of Indian music can be found in the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, where musical instruments such as the seven-holed flute and the drum were used in religious ceremonies. Indian classical music, which is highly influential in all of South Asia, has two main traditions: the Hindustani tradition of North India and the Carnatic tradition of South India.

Hindustani music:

The Hindustani tradition is believed to have originated in Vedic times (1500-1000 BCE) with the Samaveda, one of the four Vedas, which is a collection of melodies used for religious rituals. It was further developed and systematized by musicians and scholars during the Mughal era (16th to 18th centuries) in North India.

Carnatic music:

The Carnatic tradition has its roots in the ancient Dravidian culture of South India. It was influenced by the Sanskrit texts of the Samaveda and the musical practices of the temples of South India. Carnatic music was formalized and refined by saint composers and musicians during the medieval period (16th to 18th centuries).

Other influences:

In addition to these two primary traditions, Indian music has also been influenced by various cultural and regional traditions, such as folk music, devotional music, and tribal music. The arrival of Islam and later the British colonization also had an impact on Indian music.

It's important to note that Indian music is a vast and diverse field with numerous regional variations and styles, each with its own unique history and development.