Fundamental of Ancient Indian Music and Dance

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

Page 24

Introduction
literature. The old order of kings and emperors, who used to extend their fostering patronage to Indian music and musicians through centuries, is defunct. These rich people are themselves faced with the struggle for existence; they have no longer the capacity for cultivating or patronising music even though they have a strong desire to do so. I do not mean that we shall be complacent like the proverbial frog in the well by shutting the door to the wind of diverse cultures blowing from different directions; obscurantism is not our philosophy. What I mean to say is that we shall allow the wind of foreign cultures to blow into our houses; but we shall not allow ourselves to be swept off our feet.
In modern times Pandit Bhatkhande and Ustad Muhammad Nawab Ali Khan occupy an exalted position among those who have tried to analyse the characteristics of Indian music. It will not do if we take to music merely as a profession or a means of livelihood. It is necessary to delve deep into its philosophy. For this are necessary regular practice and dedication. A tendency among some modern students of music is rather disappointing. Some of them, even without the necessary training, desire to be experts within a very short time and aspire to be regarded as artists. This approach and this attitude have caused a deterioration of standards. One should remember that no siddhi (success) is possible without sādhanā ( devoted practice ). Different, however, is the case with those whose sole aim is cheap popularity or acquisition of money.
Countless treatises on Indian music still lie buried in manuscripts, and face extinction; many have already fallen victims to the ravages of time. We can place our cultural characteristics in this realm on the deserving pedastal if we can rescue these treasures from oblivion and put them into the light of day.
So far we have written about Indian music and not Hindu music. In fact, Hindu music is a misnomer. The music that