Hindustani music
The classical music tradition of North India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, emphasising improvisation within raga frameworks.
In Depth
Hindustani music diverged from its South Indian counterpart around the 13th century, absorbing Persian and Central Asian influences under Mughal rule. It places greater emphasis on improvisation than [Carnatic music](/term/carnatic%20music), with extended alap sections and spontaneous melodic exploration. The gharana system (musical families or schools) transmits distinct stylistic approaches through generations. Major instruments include sitar, sarod, tabla, and sarangi.
The six-note time theory of Hindustani music assigns specific ragas to specific times of day, and traditionalists believe that performing a morning raga at night disrupts natural harmony.