A Brief Study in Aspects of Gurmat Music with Respect to Hindustani Classical Music: A Comparative Analysis

Music is a universal art. Indian music has evolved over time into various branches such as classical and folklore. Indian classical music is an ancient tradition. Gurmat Sangeet (Music) is considered as one of its branches. Around the 12th Century, Nayanars and Alvars who were the followers of Shaiv Mat and Vaishnav Mat originated an exhaustive independent form of music known as the Kirtan tradition1. The First spiritual leader of Sikhism Shri Guru Nanak Dev while propagating Sikhism used a new form of Kirtan known as “Shabad Kirtan” and established Gurmat Sangeet as an unique form of music. Gurmat Sangeet used to be an inseparable element of Indian classical music but as of now it has established itself as a new form of music. It is also evident from the fact that many different forms of Gurmat Sangeet such as Baramah, Ghodiyan, Alahuniyan, Mundabani, Ashtpadi, Do Padi, etc are inspired by Hindustani classical music.This can also be noticed from the fact that various Musical instruments used in Gurmat Sangeet are similar to the Instruments of Hindustani classical music. Despite the similarities with Hindustani classical music. They are not identical and have prominent differences, Gurmat Sangeet has its uniqueness as a musical form. The central purpose of this research paper is to analyze above mentioned similarities and differences between Hindustani classical music and Gurmat Sangeet and discuss the nuances of Gurmat Sangeet as an independent form of music.