RECENT TRENDS IN RESEARCH & INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY IN CONNECTION WITH INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC

Changing trends in performing arts rarely manifest themselves with dramatic abruptness. More often than not, they creep up silently, diverting the flow of continuing traditions and practices stealthily but resolutely. As the relentless tidal wave of globalisation swept across the world in the last two decades, Indian performing arts too were swept, tossed high and hurled down, without many even noticing that some of the great rivers of performing traditions and systems had changed course or, at times, been reined in forcefully. Looking back on some of these changes, particularly in the sphere of Indian music, it may be worthwhile to begin by examining a few words, terms and phrases that provide clues to some of the many ways in which globalisation has impacted the performing arts in India. Other than in academic discussions, performing arts in India and its practitioners are today referred to most commonly as being part of the “entertainment industry.” This may seem innocuous enough to some, but the usage of the term and its passive acceptance in most circles definitely indicate a paradigm shift in the manner in which the arts are viewed by society at large. That today the arts must entertain and amuse in the manner defined by showbiz, and that they must form part of organised industry is the clear and unambiguous message conveyed by this shift. For creators and artistes who, in an ideal world, create art driven by an artistic urge or by that inexplicable creative charge that propels artistes towards their respective forms of expression, this shift from being an individual artiste or part of an artistic community, to being absorbed into or discarded by the politics and commerce of the entertainment industry, has had a far-reaching impact.