Keywords and Concepts: Hindustani Classical Music

The author explores a novel approach to facilitate an easy understanding of the Hinsdustani tradition of Classical music following in the footsteps of Amarkosh (1000 A.D.)--probably the first thesaurus in the world. The strategy involves organizing the conceptual and the terminological material thematically. Three main themes and eight sections together identify and explain approximately two hundred and fifty terms and concepts fundamental to a deeper, intensive appreciation of Hindustani art music. The book contains 19 illustrations. The first part of the work consists of thematic groupings and the explanations, while the second is devoted to a detailed index. Principal meaning, derivation, historical background and the contemporary usage are kept in view in discussing the terms and concepts. The focus is on the contemporary performing tradition. The book will appeal to a wide and varied readership concert-goers, serious students of music and those who wish to understand music in a cultural setting.