International » Indian Subcontinent Traditions » Indian Classical

As a result of Indians' tendencies to attribute the creation of ancient art forms to various Hindu deities, the true origins of native classical music have been lost over time. In the northern half of the nation, the music is perceived as a product of many different indigenous cultural influences, including regional folk traditions, as well as influences absorbed from other countries, most importantly elements of Turko-Persian descent. Indeed, it is primarily these Muslim touches that distinguish northern Indian Hindustani classical from its southern counterpart, karnatak.