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We have made an attempt to present to the general reader a brief account of the highlights of ancient Indian music and dance as laid down in the Sanskrit treatises, particularly in Sārrgadeva's Samgita-ratnākara.
The selection of topics for this little book posed a problem. We have, however, included in it all the important topics from which the reader can form a coherent idea of the vocal and instrumental music and dance. In the beginning of this work, a rapid survey of the Sanskrit musical literature of India starting with the Vedic literature has been given.
Several interesting topics, related to Indian music, have been appended to the work. One appendix deals with the interesting points which mark the distinction of the Indian and Western systems. In another we have tried to trace the influence of our musical system abroad. In one appendix we have briefly shown how Tantra, which permeated the cultural soil of India, influenced musical speculations too. One appendix reveals how non-Aryan elements were absorbed into the Aryan culture in the domain of music.
At the end, there is a glossary of the important technical terms, followed by an up-to-date bibliography.
I shall consider my labours rewarded if this monograph whets the intellectual appetite of the readers in respect of Indian music as described in the Sanskrit treatises.
S. C. Baperji
Calcutta, New Year's Day, 1973.
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