Music is the art in which thoughts and feelings are expressed through tone, rhythm, beat and emotion. Today we will talk in detail about what is music? Its definition, importance and history. It is not just a medium of entertainment but a divine experience that touches the soul. It accompanies us from the heartbeats heard in the mother's womb before birth to the peace after death. Music is a universal language that is understood even without words. It becomes solace in sorrow, celebration in happiness and a companion in loneliness. Music has no fixed form, it changes according to every person, every culture and every time - this is its beauty. In today's era, music has made its place in many fields like education, therapy, meditation, yoga and entertainment.
What is music? Its definition, importance and history
🎼 Definition of Music
1. Music is an audible art
Music is an audible art, in which human emotions and thoughts are expressed through sound. This art is related to listening, but its effect is not limited to the ears only, rather it touches the heart and soul. The main basis of music is the notes which combine with rhythm and beat to form a melodious composition. It not only gives peace to the mind, but also affects the person mentally, emotionally and spiritually. That is why music is considered a high class art.
2. Music is the language of emotions
Music is often called the “language of emotions” because it is able to express emotions even without words. When a person cannot express a feeling in words, then music becomes the medium to say it. Be it love, pain, joy or devotion—there is an expression for every emotion in music. It goes beyond language, caste and religion and connects with every human being. That is why it is said, “Where words end, music begins.”
3. Music is the experience of the soul
Music is not just a subject of listening or singing, it is an inner experience that reaches the soul. Music touches the depths of the mind and awakens emotions. It is a sadhana, where the artist melts his soul in the notes. When a person masters a raga or sings a bhajan with emotion, he does not just perform, but embarks on a spiritual journey. This is why music has been considered equivalent to meditation and yoga in the Indian tradition.
4. Music is a universal language
Music is a language that people in any corner of the world can understand and feel, even if they do not understand the words of the song. It touches the basic sensibilities of human beings, which are the same in every culture. A good musical piece can affect a foreigner in the same way as a person from his own country. It goes beyond the boundaries of language and connects hearts. That is why music is called the “world language” or the most popular medium.
5. Music is a balance of melody, rhythm and beat
The basic structure of music is made up of three major elements – melody, rhythm, and beat. Sur is the sound that gives rise to emotions, Laya is the flow that gives pace to the music, and Taal is the measure that maintains discipline. The balanced combination of these three makes music melodious. If any of these elements becomes unbalanced, music loses its quality. Therefore, music is also considered a mathematical and emotional science, where there is a deep coordination of rules and emotions.
🕰️ History of Music
1. Origin of Music in Vedic Period
Indian music has its roots in the Vedic period, especially in the Sama Veda. In the Sama Veda, there was a tradition of reciting the hymns by singing, which was called 'Samgān'. At that time, the purpose of music was not only entertainment, but also spiritual advancement and awakening power in yajnas. The initial understanding of Sur and Taal developed in this period. This music was mostly used in religious rituals, chanting and recitation of Vedas. It is believed that the concept of 'Naad Brahma' - that sound is Brahma - originated in this time.
2. Natya Shastra and development of classical music
Natya Shastra, written by Bharat Muni, is an important pillar in the history of Indian music. In this treatise, music was divided into three major parts: vocal, instrumental, and dance. It explained the principles of raga, rasa, laya, and taal. This treatise sees music not only as art, but as a practice related to life and religion. According to Natya Shastra, music was not just entertainment, but also a means of purifying the soul and maintaining balance in society. This period is considered to be the period that laid the foundation of classical music.
3. Development of court music and khayal style in the medieval period
In the medieval period, music flourished in the courts of kings. Great musicians like Tansen took music to a high level in the court of Mughal emperor Akbar. Styles like Dhrupad, Khayal, Thumri, Bhakti Sangeet, and Qawwali were born in this era. Music was no longer just a form of sadhana, but a part of social and cultural performance. At this time, compositions became more emotional and raga-based. The fusion of Hindu and Muslim traditions was clearly visible in music. Musicians now expanded their art under royal patronage.
4. Carnatic music and the tradition of South India
A distinct and rich form of music developed in South India, which is called Carnatic music. Its roots are also in the Vedic era, but its full development took place between the 15th and 18th centuries. Musicians like Saint Thyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyam Shastri made it a pure, spiritual and devotional style. Carnatic music has a large number of ragas and is presented in a more scientific form. It is still the major classical tradition of South India and has a large number of artists in the country and abroad.
5. Development of films, technology and global music in the modern era
The biggest expansion of music in the 20th century was through film songs, radio, television, and later the Internet. Film songs based on ragas brought classical music to the masses. Singers like L.A. Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar made it popular. With this, new forms of Western music, pop, jazz, and fusion emerged. Now music is not just an art, but an industry – in which technology, recording, streaming and digital platforms play a big role. Music has now become global and has gone beyond borders. 
Importance of Music
1. Medium of mental peace and stress relief
Music is extremely useful for human mental health. It reduces stress, anxiety and mental unrest. Slow and melodious sounds create peace in the brain and stabilize the mind. Scientific research has also proved that listening to music increases the secretion of chemicals like 'serotonin' and 'dopamine', which makes a person feel happy. Music is used in meditation and yoga to focus and calm the mind. In today's hectic lifestyle, music is the simplest and most effective way to get mental peace.
2. Helpful in maintaining emotional balance
Music balances our emotional life. It consoles the sad mind, calms the angry mind and becomes a companion in loneliness. The most beautiful medium of expressing emotions is music, which can speak the heart without even speaking. When a person is upset, an emotional song shares his pain. Similarly, in moments of happiness, music increases that gaiety even more. Thus, music makes a person feel emotionally stable and deeply connected.
3. Helpful in intellectual and creative development of children
Exposure to music in childhood is extremely beneficial for the mental and intellectual development of children. Music develops memory, concentration and creative thinking. Children who learn music usually perform well in other subjects as well. Music education teaches them discipline, patience and self-confidence. It has been found in many researches that students who are associated with music have greater problem solving ability and a sense of teamwork. That is why music has been included as a compulsory subject in many schools today.
4. Symbol of social and cultural unity
Music is a medium to connect society and culture. It unites everyone by crossing the barriers of language, caste, religion and border. The cultural identity of any country or region is reflected in the music prevalent in it. Folk music, traditional tunes and festival songs keep people connected to their roots. Also, when people of different cultures perform music together on the same platform, it becomes a symbol of mutual harmony and unity. In this way music spreads the message of cultural harmony and cordiality in the society.
5. Means of spiritual practice and spiritual purification
In Indian culture, music is considered not only an art but also a practice. Music in forms like bhajan, kirtan, Sufi music, shabad and gurbani is used in the process of the soul connecting with God. Music concentrates the mind and takes the seeker to the depth of meditation. Many saints and great men made music the medium of their spiritual path. When melody and emotion become one, music becomes a spiritual practice that helps in spiritual purification and elevation of the soul.