What are the differences between Hindustani classical music and Carnatic music?

Hindustani classical music and Carnatic music are two distinct traditions of Indian classical music, each with its own unique characteristics, origins, and styles. Here are some of the key differences between them:

Origins and Geographic Distribution

• Hindustani Music: Originated in the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent, it is also known as North Indian classical music. It diverged from Carnatic music around the 12th century CE1.
• Carnatic Music: Originated in the southern regions of India, primarily in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh2.

Languages Used

• Hindustani Music: Compositions are often written in Hindi, Urdu, Braj, Avadhi, Bhojpuri, Bengali, Rajasthani, Marathi, and Punjabi1.
• Carnatic Music: Primarily uses Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam24.

Musical Style

• Hindustani Music: Known for its improvisatory nature, focusing on the artist's creativity within the framework of ragas. It emphasizes melodic exploration and expression23.
• Carnatic Music: Follows a more structured approach, relying heavily on fixed compositions called kritis. It emphasizes precise rendering of these compositions while showcasing virtuosity2.

Rhythmic Approach

• Hindustani Music: Offers a more flexible approach to rhythm, with talas allowing for improvisation and variations. The tabla is a prominent percussion instrument25.
• Carnatic Music: Adheres to a more intricate and structured rhythmic framework, with strict adherence to talas. The mridangam is a key percussion instrument24.

Instruments Used

• Hindustani Music: Features instruments like the sitar, sarod, sarangi, shehnai, tabla, and tambura3.
• Carnatic Music: Uses instruments such as the veena, violin, mridangam, and kanjira4.

Vocal Techniques

• Hindustani Music: Vocalists avoid using nasal tones, focusing on vocal chord expression4.
• Carnatic Music: Often employs nasal tones and gamakas (ornamentations) in vocal performances4.

Raga and Tala Systems

• Hindustani Music: Uses the concept of thaats (parent scales) to classify ragas, with 10 main thaats4.
• Carnatic Music: Employs the melakarta system, with 72 parent scales, and emphasizes strict adherence to talas4.

Spiritual and Cultural Context

• Hindustani Music: Has been influenced by Sufi and Persian traditions, and is often performed in a more secular context1.
• Carnatic Music: Primarily devotional, with compositions often focused on Hindu deities4.