• Dr. Jyothi Shankar

The very word “music” stirs the mind, brings joy, and soothe the heart. It conjures up the image of an art that can lead the mind into the formless and abstract bliss. The inherent sound that exists in the nature can be observed by a keen observer, and it is described as Nada. This sound is naturally embedded in the expression and movement of every living being. The flow of rivers, rustling of leaves, rush of rainwater, and chirping of birds — all resonate with rhythmic sounds. Such sounds born from nature, when comprehended through classical frameworks, form what we call music. The background of Indian music is unique compared to all others across the world. It is deeply rooted in spirituality. Even folk songs that lack classical structure have evolved as prayers to deities. For example: belagāga nāneddu yāryāra neneyali yellujīrige beleyola bhūmitāyna yeddoṃdu galige nenadeva by bowing down to the Earth first, followed by Shiva. "Siddhara gyāna śivagyāna mā śivana nidregaṇṇāge nimagyāna". Such is the nature of folk music. When folk music itself is so powerful, it is but natural that the classical tradition has evolved with even greater richness and depth. The evolution of Indian music is believed to trace back to Vedic times, with a lineage of over 3,000 years. The foundation lies in the saptasvaras (seven notes). All diversity and grandeur in Indian music spring from these notes. Each note is believed to originate from nature, emphasizing an inseparable connection between music and the natural world. This paper aims to give a brief outline of the evolution of Indian Classical Music, and by extension, Carnatic Classical Music.

Nada, Saptasvara, Carnatic Classical Music, Sangeeta.

"A Glimpse into the History of Carnatic Music", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 10, page no.d1-d4, October-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2510301.pdf

"A Glimpse into the History of Carnatic Music", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 10, page no. ppd1-d4, October-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2510301.pdf