From Gwalior to Miraj: Exploring India’s Musical Heartbeats

Unveiling India's musical diversity

Culture

January 28, 2025

/ By / New Delhi

From Gwalior to Miraj: Exploring India’s Musical Heartbeats

Music defines the soul of these cities

In India, music not only brings comfort to listeners and inspires musicians but also plays a vital role in shaping the cultural identity of entire regions. Here are five places where the essence of music resonates in every corner.

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Music, an art form that evokes and sustains all kinds of emotions. Whether you are feeling low or happy, there is a genre of music to support you in every situation.

It not only soothes the listeners but also brings a sense of peace to singers and musicians. Their passion is such that they hope their songs and compositions will stand the test of time.

In many cases, families or groups take it upon themselves to preserve the rich legacies of their musical genres, ensuring they are carried forward. These traditions, in turn, directly or indirectly influence and shape the cultural identity of cities, leaving a lasting imprint on their heritage.

India is no different in this regard. In this subcontinent, there are places whose soul and identity have been shaped by a musical heritage that has either existed for millennia or developed more recently, both directly and indirectly.

To celebrate the musical heritage of these places, discover these five locations in India where music echoes in every nook and corner.

Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

Gwalior (Photo: Incredible India)

Located in central India, this city in Madhya Pradesh is considered the ‘city of music’ in India. True to its title, the city boasts a rich musical legacy and is renowned for its famous Gwalior Gharana.

Originating during the Mughal era, the Gwalior Gharana is a style of Hindustani classical music that remains popular for its simplicity and Khyaal form of vocal music. Khyaal, which means ‘imagination’ in Persian, is associated with a longer melodic form called dhrupad, allowing for improvisation and creative freedom. During this period, Gwalior remained a central hub for musicians from all across India, who came to the city to learn music.

Additionally, this city is also home to Tansen, one of the most famous musicians of India, who was a court singer at King Ram Chandra Singh of Rewa, before joining the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The local legend has it, that he brought down rain by Raga Megh Malhar and lit lamps by singing Raga Deepak!!

Further encouraging its musical culture, the Scindia dynasty, which ruled the city until independence, became primary patrons of music, offering financial support and establishing a music college called Shri Madhav Music School.

Thus, recognising Gwalior’s musical soul and rich history, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recently designated the city as a ‘City of Music’ in 2023. It was also added to the UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, a programme that encourages cities to leverage creativity and culture to develop sustainably.

 Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Dhrupad Mela at Varanasi (Photo: Ministry Of Tourism)

Considered the spiritual capital of India and the city of Lord Shiva, Varanasi, popularly known as Kashi, shares a rich heritage of Hindustani classical music, much like its counterpart Gwalior.

Nestled in the heart of the Ganges Valley and one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, the musical heritage of Varanasi dates back to Puranic literature, which effectively attributes its music to Lord Shiva.

Known for its narrow alleys and ghats, Kashi has long been considered a sanctuary for musicians and maestros. With its spiritual aura, the city is renowned for two of the most revered forms of Indian classical music: Dhrupad and Dhamar.

Considered the oldest genre of Indian classical music, Dhrupad captivates listeners with its meditative quality and intricate melodic patterns. Its slow-paced rhythmic structure has long been popular in Varanasi, making the city a hub for Dhrupad musicians who have carried this rich tradition through the centuries.

Thus, to honour this timeless music form, the Varanasi Dhrupad Mela is organised annually, spanning five days. Initiated by renowned Dhrupad vocalist Pandit Siyaram Tiwari in the mid-20th century, the festival takes place in February and March at Tulsi Ghat. Artists from across India gather in the city to participate, celebrating the rich heritage of Dhrupad in its spiritual heartland.

Additionally, another revered music form, Dhamar, is also celebrated in the city. Known for its lively and rhythmic compositions, Dhamar is typically performed during specific festivals, especially Holi, at temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, adding to the joyous and festive atmosphere.

Hence with its rich musical legacy, enriched by gharanas like Banaras and Senia, and a blend of lively and meditative forms, Varanasi was designated a ‘City of Music’ in 2015 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), offering the city a platform to preserve its heritage.

Shillong, Meghalaya

Concert at Shillong (Photo: Ministry Of Tourism)

If cities like Gwalior and Varanasi are renowned for their Indian classical music, the northeastern city of Shillong, often called the ‘Scotland of the East’, stands out for its vibrant rock music culture in India.

Considered the rock capital of India, Shillong has long been regarded as the cradle of the genre, celebrated for its strong beats and catchy lyrics. With a high concentration of local bands, the city boasts a thriving music scene.

Prominent festivals like NH7 Weekender and the Shillong Autumn Festival, typically held in October, November, and December, showcase a dynamic mix of rock, indie, folk, and electronic music, featuring both national and international artists.

In addition to rock, other genres such as metal, hip-hop, and jazz flourish in the city’s clubs and bars. On May 24 each year, Shillong celebrates the birthday of American songwriter and singer Bob Dylan with a special concert featuring local celebrity Lou Majaw.

The city’s music culture is deeply rooted in DIY (do-it-yourself) ethics, fostering an organic, grassroots-focused spirit. This approach has led to the emergence of numerous bands, including Aberrant, Plague Throat, Kryptographik Street Poets, and K Bloodz, whose music reflects an experimental and rebellious vibe.

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Marghazi festival at Chennai (Photo: Ministry Of Tourism)

Coming to the south of India, Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is regarded as a hub for the Indian classical music subgenre known as Carnatic music. Known for its complex melodies and intricate rhythms, Carnatic music, unlike its Hindustani counterpart in the north, utilises fewer instruments.

Deriving its identity from its 6,000-year-old music tradition, Carnatic music forms an integral part of the city’s culture.

Hence to bring the rich tradition of Carnatic music to life, Chennai hosts a variety of events designed to make this complex art form accessible to all. One of the most notable events is the month-long Marghazi festival, organised by the Music Academy since its inception in 1928. Held annually from mid-December to mid-January, according to the Tamil calendar, this festival features a wide range of performances, including Carnatic concerts, recitals, lecture demonstrations, discussions, and theatrical productions.

In addition to these classical celebrations, Chennai uses its music scene as a powerful tool for fostering social cohesion. The Chennai Sangamam festival, for example, supports rural artists by providing a platform for their work, while the Urur Olcott Kuppam Margazhi festival leverages music to promote unity among diverse communities and cultures in the city.

Miraj, Maharashtra

Ending the journey with the artisans who craft instruments, there is a small town in Maharashtra that boasts a 150-year-old legacy of music, Miraj.

Located 240 km from Pune and once part of the princely state of Patwardhan, Miraj has become a hub for manufacturing traditional string instruments like the sitar, tanpura, sarangi and veena.

These instruments are in high demand among musicians from both the classical and film worlds. Crafted with traditional tools and minimal use of power tools, they carry the town’s deep musical heritage. In addition to its craftsmanship, Miraj is also home to renowned musicians such as Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, the founder of the Kirana gharana, Hirabai Barodekar and Vinayak Rao Patwardhan.

The exceptional quality of these instruments led to Miraj being awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India on March 30, 2024, further enhancing their commercial value and honoring the town’s rich musical legacy.

These cities reflect the rich musical journey that dominates every nook and corner of India and serves as a testament to how an art form like music can shape not only an individual or a listener but also the very identity of an entire region.

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