Music gurukul: An architectural manifestation of music at Amravati, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Music has always played a very important role. If we consider all the societies and cultures, music being an art form which speaks about the evolution of that society or culture. If we look back to the history of Indian Classical Music, it has developed through very intricate interactions amongst people of different cultures from many years which can be dated back to 3000-1200 BC. However, the evolution of music got influenced from not only cultures but with the advancements and improvements in the music in terms of notations, scale, rhythm, instruments, language, etc. From these advancements the concept of ragas evolved which can be found in c.700 A.D. From c.1200A.D-c.1700A.D., various styles like qawwali, naqsh and many more other forms of music were invented. Eventually, gharanas which are also called as schools emerged which further led to the concept of performing and accommodation for the performers of royal courts who were accommodated by the royals. The guru-shishya parampara in music became more popular when the musicians performed in the royal courts in front of the people and the person who got interested in that style of music was free to take lessons from the gurus and staying with him at the same time. The performances in the royal courts thus further gave aesthetics to music. Thus, the gharanas gave music a new approach in terms of form and interpretation both in terms of music and architecture. The evolution of music thus did not remain confined to the notes or the rhythm but also started evolving in terms of the space and the quality. The old tradition of music has to be preserved as they are a very important part of musical heritage. But, the approach for the Indian classical music, especially the guru-shishya parampara which was earlier followed as gharana style is becoming very superficial. Also, the gharana style of teaching is not becoming inviting for large number of people because of varied approach towards music and the wide range of music which is getting popular nowadays. Also, the absence of royal patronage has also resulted as a setback. The mutual relations between the two art forms, that is, music and architecture will intervene a new approach where architecture will act as a tool which will express the art of music, especially the structure of gharanas, in terms of quality of space externally as well as internally which will increase the prominence of this style of school and thus provide a space for the gharana which are getting extinct in this date.