Indian Carnatic Music had originated from Vedas. There are 4 types of Vedas:
Rig (Mantras): Verses that are chanted during sacrificial rites
Yejur (Krivas): Also used during rites or rituals, with a South Indian string instrument being played in accompaniment of the vocal recitals
Sama (Ganam): Hymns for the sacrificial rites
Adarvana: Used for medicinal healing.
Music plays an important role in Hinduism. It has been said that music brings divinty and power by singinging the hymns of their gods. Sangeetha Pithamaha, for example, was a given the role of a saint for his role in establishing carnatic music.
Carnatic music is performed by a small ensemble, that is made up of a principle performer, the melodic campanion and the thambura/ sruthi base.
Carnatic music in Singapore?
As with many of the other traditional music forms, Western musics still has the strongest influence here. Even with regard to Indian music, the younger generations do still prefer North and South Indian modern music. But many youngsters are coming forward to learn carnatic music, especiall after realising how relevant it can be to the Western music. In schools, carnatic music has been offered as a GCE 'O' and 'A' level subject. It has also been offered as CCA in certain schools, but the issue that arises is that there are not enough students with such an interest in each school to maintain such a CCA. There are also private teachers as well as societies such as SYAMA, that are working hard to promote and maintain the interests of the youths today towards traditional Indian music.
As with many of the other traditional music forms, Western musics still has the strongest influence here. Even with regard to Indian music, the younger generations do still prefer North and South Indian modern music.