A Comparative Study of Some of the Leading Music Systems of the 15th, 16th, 17th & 18th Centuries

A Comparative Study of Some of the Leading Music Systems of the 15th, 16th, 17th & 18th Centuries by V.N. Bhatkhande is a detailed exploration of the evolution of Indian classical music across four centuries. It compares key musical treatises from both Hindustani and Carnatic traditions, such as Raagatarangini and Swaramelakalanidhi. Bhatkhande traces the shift from ancient systems like Grama-Murchhana-Jati to the Raga-Ragini structure. He also examines the influence of Persian music during the Mughal period, which contributed to the rise of Khayal and the refinement of ragas and talas. The work offers deep insights into music’s theoretical and stylistic transformations.