Veena

The veena occupies the position of queen in the throne of Indian musical instruments. Its history can be traced from the time of ‘Vedas’, which describe it as ‘the embodiment of beauty and esteem’. Veena Occupies the premier position among the celebrated ‘Vadyatrayam’-Yaazh (Veena), kuzhal(Flute) and Thannummai (Mridangam) – the instrument is also mentioned in the ‘sutras’ and ‘arayankas’, the sacred books of the Vedic period. The present form of the veena is a polyphonous instrument designed and developed by Govinda Dikshitar during the reign of Raghunath Naik of Tanjore. It is often called the Tanjore veena or the Saraswati Veena.

The music of the veena is infused with qualities of divinity, gentleness, peace and sensuality.

Vocal

Indian classical vocal music is divided into two categories: Hindustani and Carnatic. Hindustani music & Carnatic music are the two main poles of classical Indian music. The central notation in both these systems is that of a melodic mode or raga, sung to a rhythmic cycle or tala. Both the Indian music styles have the same origin & sources according to ancient scriptures and have many differences too.