Fundamental of Ancient Indian Music and Dance

Author(s): Sureshchandra Benarji
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

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12
Introduction
scholars themselves' have asserted that the great art of Indian music is absolutely free from Western inspiration.
We have shown, in an appendix, the basic differences between Indian and Western music. Some scholars are inclined to think that Indian music has some similarity with the music of Arabia and Persia'. There are, no doubt, some parallelisms between Indian music and that of the above two countries. But, no definite case of borrowing can be established.
Muslim influence on North Indian music is but natural. Attracted by the natural resources and the fabulous treasure of India, the Muslims carried on their predatory activities in this part of India in different periods starting from the 8th century A.D. At last, in the 12th and 13th centuries, they appeared as regional rulers in various parts of India. In course of time, they attempted to extend their imperial sway throughout this vast countary. Amir Khasru, Court poet of Sultan Alauddin, has stated, in his Persian work, that Indian music is superior to that of all other countries; by it not only human beings, but also beasts are charmed. Through the intervention of the Sultan, Khasru effected notable changes by an admixture of the elements of Persian music.
The connoisseur-kings of the Khilji dynasty introduced certain new rāgas of which the most noteworthy are saka, Turuşka-gauda and Turuşka-todi; these are mentioned in the medievel works on music. Besides Amir Khasru, Tānsen and Vilāskhān deserve honourable mention among those who acquired a high degree of proficiency in music, and made significant contribution to the evolution of Indian music under the patronge of the Muslim rulers.
In the domain of instrumenal music, the Occident is indebted to the Indian viņā, at least for the Violin and the Flute; this is admitted by an occidental scholar? himself
1 For example, G. T. Garratt, The Legacy of India, p. 325. 2. Ibid, p. 326.