Week 3: South Asian Music: Classical, Popular, and Cultural Influences

What is the main idea regarding South Asia's global influence?

South Asia, particularly India, is becoming a global power with a rich culture that significantly influences the world, especially in music.

By what year is India expected to be the world's most populous nation?

By 2050.

What are some cultural exports of India that have a global presence?

Bollywood films, yoga, and cuisine.

Which artists and genres represent the international recognition of South Asian music?

Artists like A.R. Rahman and genres like Punjabi MC and Bhangra.

Which countries are included in the South Asian region?

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

What are the major religions practiced in South Asia?

Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism.

What are the two established classical music traditions in South Asia?

Hindustani and Carnatic music.

How did the 1947 partition of British India affect South Asian music?

It significantly affected the region's demographics and culture, including music.

What is a raga in Hindustani classical music?

A core melodic framework that defines specific scales, emotional qualities, and performance guidelines.

What does a raga create in terms of musical expression?

A particular mood or 'rasa'.

What is the primary classical music tradition of South India?

Carnatic music.

Who are the 'Trinity' of Carnatic composers?

Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Shyama Sastri.

What is the structure of a typical Carnatic kriti?

It usually consists of three sections: pallavi, anupallavi, and charanam.

What is the significance of the tabla in Hindustani music?

It is a key percussion instrument used in performances.

What is Qawwali and its cultural significance?

A form of Sufi devotional music that has gained international fame.

Who is Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan?

A globally renowned Qawwali singer from Pakistan who popularized the genre internationally.

What is the role of Alapana in a Carnatic performance?

It is a melodic improvisation at the beginning to introduce the raga without rhythm.

What does Kalpanaswaram refer to in Carnatic music?

Sections where performers improvise new melodic phrases using solfège syllables.

What is the common rhythmic cycle used in the kriti 'Banturīti'?

Adi tala.

How has Afghan music been influenced by political regimes?

It suffered under restrictive regimes like the Taliban.

What is the relationship between Afghan classical music and North Indian classical music?

Klassik, the classical music of Afghanistan, is closely related to North Indian classical music.

What is the significance of Ahmad Zahir in Afghan music?

He was a very popular Afghan pop singer known for blending various styles.

What modern artists continue to explore the tradition of Qawwali?

Artists like Arooj Aftab.

What is the typical performance format of Qawwali music?

Typically performed by a group with a lead singer and supporting musicians.

How does Qawwali create a trance-like experience?

It often involves call-and-response.