One of the most treasured pieces of art that India holds is its schools of classical music

When it comes to Indian music, all one often hears are the Bollywood beats. But the reality of Indian music is the musical lineages that have kept the genre of classical music alive for centuries.

The two schools of Indian classical music The North Indian classical music called Hindustani and South Indian expression is called Carnatic music. However, both rest on two main elements: rāga, or the melodic formulæ, and tāḷa, the rhythmic cycles. But the basic element of differences in Carnatic is the śruti - the relative musical pitch - and swara- the musical sound of a single note.

While in Carnatic music the emphasis is on vocal music, the Hindustani music comprises ‘gharana’ or musical communities of performers known for their distinctive musical style and particular to a region.

Gwalior Gharana One of the ancient schools of music from Khayal vocal styles, it is known for its simplistic singing. Its founders are said to be Ustad Hassu Khan, Ustad Haddu Khan, and Ustad Nathu Khan. The pioneer of this gharana is Miyan Tansen, who was famous in the courts of Gwalior. The notable contemporary artists of Gwalior Gharana are Meeta Pandit, Shashwati Mandal, and Vasundhara Komkali.

Agra Gharana The founders of the Agra gharana were originally singers of Dhrupad and this aspect is maintained with the frequent use of Meendh and Gamaks. This gharana places great importance on establishing deepness in the voice that further make the notes powerful. Also, special attention is paid to ragas like Megh and Darbarikanada. Its exponents are Faiyyaz Khan, Latafat Hussein Khan, and Dinkar Kakini.

Patiala Gharana It was founded by the great Ustad Fateh Ali Khan and Ustad Ali Baksh, and uses greater rhythm play and encompasses both– Thumri and Khyal singing. Somewhere considered as a branch of the Delhi Gharana, it is characterized by the abundant use of Bols and aesthetically on emotion. The famous exponents of Patiala Gharana are Pakistani ghazal singer Gulam Ali, and contemporary singer Shafqat Amanat Ali.

Mewati  Gharana Khyal based musical style; its compositions are of Sufi and Kirtankar influences with the songs oozing spiritual elements. Here the importance is laid on developing the mood of the raga as well the meaning of the text. Owing to its distinct aesthetics, it is said to have emerged as an offshoot of the Qawwal Bacchon musical traditions. And this gharana got its share of popularity in the late-20th century with PtJasraj.

With their peculiar style and the various influences, classical music continues to have a place of its own. The renditions of Indian classical music has survived and thrived over centuries, and will always remain timeless.