Fundamental of Ancient Indian Music and Dance

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

Page 88

APPENDIX
D'
NON-ARYAN ELEMENTS IN INDIAN MUSIC
Indian culture is a composite one comprising heterogeneous elements. Through ages it has assimilated many things not only from the various strands of culture spread over the vast sub-continent. The rites and rituals of the Aryans, their Šāstras and arts reveal their indebtedness to non-Aryan tribes. India has been a target of foreign invasions ever since the early times. Hordes of Sakas, Hunas, Parthians, Muslims etc. and people of various European countries invaded this land and sometimes settled here in large number and became naturalised. After the invasion of Alexandar. (c. 326 B.C.), there was a brisk cultural exchange between Greece and India. Greek principalities were established in parts of this country. Besides invasions for political and military ends, there was intercourse among the Indians and the foreigners, particularly with the peoples of the different countries of Asia. Thus, there was ample scope of fusion of culture, at least in some fields, among the Indians and her neighbours, far and near. The diverse fabrics of different lands and of various races and tribes of India were woven into the complex and colourful texture of this land.
In the realm of music, we find elements derived from non-Aryan sources and foreign lands. We shall briefly deal with these elements. The names of certain Rāgas and Raginis clearly indicate their origin among the non-Aryan tribes inhabiting the different regions of India. Saka, Pulindi, Abhiri, Šāberikā and Bhairava appear to have been derived respectively from Śakas, Pulindas, Ābhiras, Šabaras and Bhairavas. Mālava ( along with its derivatives Mālayasri, Mālavakausika