An introduction into the world of the wonderfully strange sounds of Indian music.

What is Music?
Music is anything with emotions coming out of our heart, that makes us feel good, makes us laugh, makes us sing, makes us dance, cry too. Where do you think music originated from? Origin of music is nothing but the attributes of emotions, that is melody. Music originated with life. Every living being comes with some sound and that sound is a result of an emotion.This beautiful arrangement of sound is nothing but music.
Take the example of a cuckoo bird. Cuckoo comes with melody, but its melody depends on season. If its spring season, the melody represents a very happy emotion - spring being the favourite season of Cuckoo. As the season changes, its melody changes. All that happens as a result of these seasons/climatic conditions that are affecting the emotions of the bird. Same is applicable to all living beings.Human is one such being with the highest capability.
As per the ancient vedas, Indian Music is originated from one of its four vedas called Samaveda. Samaveda gives the explanation of music in full length. A human body consists of 7 primary chakras, these Chakras are nothing but energy centers of moods and/or emotions.
All different forms of ragas or melodies come from there, and that is the reason music is used as meditation tool.
The various ragas affect various chakras in our body. Seven Chakras represent the seven basic notes of Music - Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni.Indian classical music is one of the most complex and complete musical systems ever developed.Similar to Western classical music, it divides the octave into 12 semitones of which the 7 basic notes are Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni, in order, replacing Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Si. However, it just uses the notation (unlike Western classical music which uses the equal temperament tuning system).
The two main streams of Indian classical music are:
Hindustani classical music, originating from North IndiaCarnatic music (Karnataka Sangeeth), originating from South India
Hindustani music :
In Hindustani Music, the performance usually begins with a slow elaboration of the raga, known as alap.This can range from very long (30-40 minutes) to very short (2-3 minutes) depending on the style and preference of the musician.Once the raga is established, the ornamentation around the mode begins to become rhythmical, gradually speeding up.This section is called the jor. Finally, the percussionist joins in and the tala is introduced.
The Main instruments used in hindustani music are - Sitar, Sarod, Tabla, Harmonium, Slide Guitar, Flute, and Shahnai.
Carnatic music :
In Carnatic Music, raga elaborations are generally much shorter and faster in tempo.The opening piece is called a varnam, and is a warm-up for the musicians.A devotion and a request for a blessing follows, then a series of interchanges between ragams and thaalams (the ornamentation, equivalent to the jor). This is intermixed with hymns called krithis. This is followed by the pallavi or theme from the raga.Carnatic pieces can also be fixed; these are famous compositions that are popular among those who appreciate Carnatic music.
The Main instruments used in carnatic music are - Veena, Mridangam, Ghatam, Morsing, Kanjira, Flute, and Violin.
The deeper we study about these two streams of music, we will discover something new. Its a never ending ocean of wisdom. These two streams of Indian music is continually evolving with new and innovative strings of music giving the greatest pleasure of life. Change is inevitable, applicable to science and technology that has changed our lives and the world, similarly music also has undergone a metamorphosis. However, the pleasure that one derives from music is still the same and as pure as it was. Music is one of life's greatest and simplest pleasures. Indian Classical music is a boon, which gives peace, spirituality and integrity.

SOURCE : http://www.musicouch.com/Genres/World-Music/Indian-Music.75898