Changes in Arts

Music and Dance

Changes in Music during the Colonial Period in India:
1. Traditional Forms of Music:
Classical Forms:
Renowned musicians like Tansen (Hindustani) and Tyagaraja (Carnatic) were pivotal figures.
Instruments such as sitar, tabla, and veena played a key role in shaping classical music.

2. European Influence on Indian Music:

Introduction of Western Elements:
Instrumentalists like Ravi Shankar (sitar) and Zakir Hussain (tabla) embraced Western
harmonies.
British influence led to the incorporation of Western notation systems.

Changes in Composition:
Indian composers, influenced by the West, began experimenting with blending traditional
ragas with Western harmonies.
Ananda Shankar's compositions exemplified this fusion, bridging Eastern and Western
musical elements.

3. Fusion of Styles:
Hybrid Music:
A. R. Rahman, a contemporary maestro, seamlessly blended classical Indian melodies with
modern Western elements.
Musicians like Ali Akbar Khan experimented with the synthesis of ragas and Western
harmonies.

4. Impact on Traditional Dance Forms:

Influence of European Dance Forms:
Rukmini Devi Arundale adapted Western ballet elements into Bharatanatyam, showcasing the
influence of European dance forms.
Uday Shankar, a visionary choreographer, introduced changes in choreography by combining
elements of Indian classical dance with Western influences.
5. Patronage and Cultural Exchange:
Patronage System:
Musicians like Mysore Vasudevachar received support from princely states, contributing to
the preservation of classical traditions.
Cultural exchanges, such as the collaboration between Ravi Shankar and George Harrison,
facilitated a cross-pollination of musical ideas.

6. Cultural Resistance:
Preservation of Authenticity:
Traditionalists like Allauddin Khan resisted or adapted colonial influences to maintain the
authenticity of classical traditions.
Efforts were made to preserve India's musical heritage amidst the changing landscape.

7. Legacy and Contemporary Impact:

Lasting Impact:
Influential musicians like Ravi Shankar and A. R. Rahman continue to leave an indelible
mark on Indian and global music.
Zakir Hussain remains a prominent figure in the world of percussion, carrying forward the
legacy of these musicians.

Changes in Dance during the Colonial Period in India:

1. Traditional Dance Forms:
Classical Dance Forms:
Iconic figures like Balasaraswati (Bharatanatyam) and Sitara Devi (Kathak) were
instrumental in preserving and evolving classical dance.

2. European Influence on Indian Dance:

Introduction of European Elements:
Rukmini Devi Arundale adapted Western ballet elements into Bharatanatyam, contributing to
the evolution of dance forms.
Uday Shankar's innovative approach introduced changes in choreography by blending Indian
classical dance with Western influences.

3. Patronage and Cultural Exchange:

Patronage System:
Dancers like Balasaraswati received patronage from princely states, contributing to the
preservation and propagation of traditional dance.
Cultural exchanges between Indian and European dancers fostered collaboration and mutual
influence

4. Cultural Resistance:
Preservation of Authenticity:
Traditional dancers like Kelucharan Mohapatra resisted the dilution of classical dance forms,
emphasizing the importance of authenticity.
Efforts were made to maintain the purity of traditional Odissi dance amidst evolving
influences.

5. Legacy and Contemporary Impact:

Lasting Impact:
Influential dancers like Balasaraswati and Uday Shankar continue to shape classical dance in
India.
Contemporary dancers like Mallika Sarabhai draw inspiration from these traditions,
contributing to the ongoing evolution of classical dance.