This book presents insightful reflections on different aspects of Indian music- its roots, philosophy, growth, history, guru-shishya parampara, gharanas, contemporary scene and a glimpse of the coming decades. Analysing the impact of Indian thought and philosophy on Indian classical music, it makes an appraisal of the contemporary scenario of Hindustani classical music.Taking a close look at tradition and style of Agra Gharana, with special focus on the rich repertoire of its ragas and chijas,
it discusses at length the khayala form, value of chija in Hindustani classical music, and use of words in classical music. The musicianship of Hazrat Inayat Khan, who preached spirituality to the Western world through the medium of Indian music, has also been highlighted. The book is of great use for researchers in music.
The Author
Ramanlal C. Mehta (1918- ), a distinguished vocalist of the Kirana Gharana style, retired in 1978 from M.S. University of Baroda as the Principal of the College of Indian Music, Dance and Dramatics. Earlier, he was with All India Radio for nine years, where he composed and produced over fifty musical dramas and features. He founded Indian Musicological Society in 1970. Prof. Mehta has to his credit many books including Agra Gharana – Parampara, Gayaki Aur Chizen; S
angeet Charcha; Gujarati Geya Kavita; Music and Mythology; Thumri – Traditions and Trends; Composition in Indian Music; Music Research – Perspectives and Prospects – Reference Indian Music; Perspectives on Dhrupad ; and Indian Music – Eminent Thinkers on Core Issues.
Foreword
The Indian classical music is arguably the only other classical music which has managed to survive vis a vis the all powerful and global onslaught of the Western Classical music on its own terms and through its powerful presence and growth. It represents one of the most enduring dimensions of Indian creativity, its incredible continuum and surprising plurality. It has been a music open to change and innovation, unweary of outside influences and yet firmly rooted. It is, therefore, a great pity that this music has not received the kind of critical attention, theorising rigour and in-depth analysis it so rich deserves. Contemporary musicology in India is a rather cousin of aesthetics and, sadly, there are not many, who in ideas and analysis, have been able to be commensurate to the rich and complex dynamics and poetics of the Indian classical music. Prof. R.C. Mehta is happily one who has devoted almost his own life teaching and writing about this music. One should be grateful to him for his devotion, dedication for and insights into music. It is through the efforts of a major music-critic like Prof. Mehta that many of us have been able to understand the history, tradition and changes, the structure and the aesthetics, the philosophical underpinnings and vital dynamics of our music.
As a musicologist Prof. Mehta has a wide range and he has always come up in his critical explorations of music with insights and ideas which deepen our understanding of music, its long heritage and its continuing relevance. This book which collects some of his recent and uncollected writings is truly representative of his vast vision and meticulous practice. He is able, once again, to reveal new aspects, illuminate grey areas and discover exciting new ideas. From the philosophical to the historical, from the aesthetic to the tactual Prof. Mehta charters an ideational geography of our music so rarely articulated elsewhere or, for that matter, by any other musicologist or music-critic.
The book, I am confident, would be useful and a rewarding experience equally for musicians, music lovers and scholars. I commend it gratefully and strongly.
Ashok Vajpeyi
