Now Reading: Sharat Chandra Srivastava on Indian classical music’s evolution
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Sharat Chandra Srivastava on Indian classical music’s evolution
Veteran violinist and Mrigya bandleader Sharat Chandra Srivastava says Indian classical music is evolving, not shrinking, despite shorter audience attention spans. In an interview with Rolling Stone India, he noted that concerts…
Veteran violinist and Mrigya bandleader Sharat Chandra Srivastava says Indian classical music is evolving, not shrinking, despite shorter audience attention spans. In an interview with Rolling Stone India, he noted that concerts now often feature three ragas in an hour, compared to the traditional single-raga, two-hour format. He cited 30-second reels where artists present ragas through fast taans as a way to engage younger audiences.
Srivastava, who grew up in a culturally rich home in Delhi, was deeply influenced by his grandfather Pandit Joi Srivastava and Pandit V.G. Jog. He advised his son Raghav to follow the time-tested tradition of pure Hindustani classical music rather than chase short-form trends. He also discussed gharanas, describing them as schools shaped by three generations of musicians, and noted that he absorbs the best elements from each, including Carnatic violin traditions.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Srivastava's advice to his son to stay in 'pure' classical music highlights a tension that runs through the tradition. The gharana system, which the article describes as requiring three generations to qualify, has historically depended on royal patronage and long, immersive concerts. As that patronage has shifted to corporate sponsors and digital platforms, the incentive structure for young musicians has changed. The 30-second reel format may expand reach but risks reducing complex ragas to superficial snippets. The real question is whether the institutional framework of gurus, sangeet academies and government cultural grants can sustain the depth of the tradition while the market rewards speed. The next indicator will be enrolment trends at institutions like the Bhatkhande Music Institute and the ITC Sangeet Research Academy over the next five years.
Source: rollingstoneindia.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
