History of Hindustani classical music

The history of Hindustani classical music is very similar to Carnatic classical music, in terms of the Vedic influence. After the Mahabharata war, which demolished the Vedic civilization, the music which held the principles of the Vedic teachings evolved into Carnatic music while Hindustani classical music evolved from the Indian music combined with the Persian styles of music. Hindustani classical music, often known as the music of North India is also now a part of Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal. Hindustani music was born as a result of the Persian influence in India. When the Delhi Sultanate was established in North India, the Indian community there was greatly influenced by the Muslims dynasties. A lot of the cultural traditions, art and music were interchanged. The Muslims who came to India and the Hindus who were in India had a good relationship with each other in relation to music and art. When Muslim rulers came to North India, they brought Mehfils with them. Mehfils were the group of people consisting of dancers, singers, musicians and other artists. They used to perform in the courts of the rulers. If the noblemen were pleased with their performance they would be rewarded with precious jewels. As time passed by, many of the Indian musicians, mostly Hindus, came to perform in the courts. Eventually, the fusion of the two (“Indian” music and foreign (Persian) music) resulted in Hindustani classical music.