Indian classical music is the
art music of the
Indian subcontinent. The origins of Indian classical music can be found in the
Vedas, which are the oldest
scriptures in the
Hindu tradition dating back to 1500 BCE. The Samaveda was derived from the
Rigveda so that its
hymns could be sung as
Samagana. These hymns were
sung by
Udgatar priests at sacrifices in which the
Soma ritual drink, clarified and mixed with milk and other ingredients, was offered in libation to various deities. This chanting style evolved into
jatis and eventually into
ragas. Indian classical music has also been significantly influenced by, or syncretised with, Indian folk music.
Bharat's
Natyashastra was the first treatise laying down fundamental principles of dance, music, and drama.