There is a lot of music in India as also in every other part of the world. It is not posiible to trace the whole history or to set it in a proper perspective. It deals mainly with the sound or sounds which are pleasing and fascinating to the ear.
It is possible to divide sound in small parts. The smallest part of a sound is known as Shruti. Shrutis, when combined in a suitable manner, form notes or swaras.
How did shrutis come into being ? How, why or when notes formed ? Who was responsible for forming and developing those notes ? These questions are relevant as replies to these questions will help us in understanding the true significance of music.
Shrutis and notes are the means to transform natural music into a regular form. That transformation enables us to enjoy the natural sound as and when we desire by combining the shrutis and notes in a systematic manner for purposes of singing. That combination of shrutis and notes should be such that all human beings, without any exception, may sing and enjoy those notes. Not only that. It should be possible for every human being not only to sing for his own enjoyment but also for the enjoyment of others including the birds and beasts.
According to the Indian culture, music is meant for self-enjoyment. It is also considered as a means for unification of soul with the Almighty Bhagwan. That is why Hindu ascetics and mendicants used to sing songs and hymns in praise of God musically. They when used to sit in samadhi and concentrate on his worship was through music. That is why the history of Hindu or Indian Music begins from the day shrutis came into being and notes were formed with the combination and permutation of those shrutis. For the fixation of that very period, we begin from the very first historical date line of India.
 

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