Things You Didn’t Know About Indian Music (Part 2)

Last week we took a look at some of the amazing, lesser known facts about Indian Music. Continuing our journey, we will shed more light on some other unique aspects that will highlight the creative diversity of music in India.

So, without further ado, here are things you didn’t know about Indian music (part 2) –

1. Sharan Rani – First Woman Sarod Player

Also known as ‘’Sarod Rani’’ or Sarod Queen, she represents another historic milestone in the Indian classical music landscape.

(Credit: Amazon.com)

India’s first Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru called her a ‘’Cultural Ambassador’’. Her performances at various shows around the globe created magic for the audience. This is due the fact that she was taught by maestros such as Ustad Allaudin Khan and Ustad Ali Akbar.

The Government of India has included her in the prestigious ‘’Gems of India’’league. She is one of the three women in this prestigious league along with MS Subbulakshmi and Lata Mangeshkar

2. The Gramophone –

In 1877, Thomas Edison invented a sound machine, called ‘’phonograph’’. Soon people began enjoying their favorite songs on it. Unlike today, where free mp3 songs are a click away on online music sites. Those were the days of Gramophone records.

(Representative image of gramophone record, credit: theindianexpress)

And, it was an Indian – Hemendra Mohan Bose – who made the first gramophone record in Kolkata in 1898. These records are popularly known as Bose’s record. Sadly, the era of online music and mp3 songs has made them disappear from public’s eye.

3. The Beatles in India –

Many people are aware of the massive impact that English songs of British band, The Beatles have. Not many are familiar with their road to success. And that road goes through India.

The music and philosophy in India had a great effect on The Beatles’ choice of English songs. Specially between 1965-68. They began using Indian classical music instruments. Their collaboration with Pandit Ravi Shankar is particularly noticeable. Moreover, George Harrison wrote three songs in Hindustani music style.

4. Sunburn Music Festival –

Each year, fans of Indian and world music gather in the coastal city of Goa for the Sunburn Music Festival.

Artists from all over the world display their musical prowess. What began in 2007, soon etched its name in history. The Sunburn Music Festival got into the top 10 in the world (#9 to be exact)

5. Guinness World Record for Asha Bhosle –

Perhaps one of the most recognized voice of old Bollywood songs. Asha Bhosle made her mark in the world by entering the Guinness World Records in 2011.

(Image: theexpresstribune)

This achievement came after she recorded nearly 11,000 solos, duets and chorus-backed hindi songs. Along with many other songs in more than 20 Indian languages since 1947.

She has given evergreen old Bollywood songs like Dum Maro Dum, Piya Tu Ab To Aaja (Caravan), Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko (Yaadon Ki Baarat), among several other golden numbers.

Source : https://sabakuch.com/blog/2018/02/23/things-didnt-know-indian-music-part-2/