The Evolution of Indian Classical Music and Dance Forms: Traditional Essence in Contemporary Contexts

Abstract

This paper examines the evolution of Indian classical music and dance forms through historical, cultural, and aesthetic lenses. Focusing on the tension between preservation and innovation, it analyzes how these art forms have adapted to changing sociopolitical contexts while maintaining their core philosophical and structural elements. Through examination of the Hindustani and Carnatic music traditions alongside major classical dance forms including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi, this research demonstrates that processes of codification, revival, and contemporary reinterpretation have characterized evolution in Indian classical arts. The analysis reveals that rather than representing a linear progression, the development of these art forms reflects complex negotiations between tradition and modernity, religious and secular contexts, and regional and global influences. This understanding contributes to broader scholarly discourse on cultural preservation, artistic adaptation, and the continuing relevance of traditional art forms in contemporary society.