Nepal's Harmonic Odyssey: Tracing the Rich Tapestry of Music Through Time
Nepali musicians draw inspiration from the association of Nad with the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. They connect with Brahma through pure swaras and shrutis, while Shiva's Tandavnritya symbolizes destruction and Vishnu represents preservation and art. Specific musical instruments like the sitar, bansuri, and ektara are linked to deities like Saraswati, Krishna, and Naradmuni. The classification of instruments as tata, susira, avanaddha, and ghana is rooted in Vedic principles. The origin of raagas can be traced back to the chantings of the Vedic scriptures, particularly the Saam Veda. Buddhist music also shapes Nepali culture, with the Mani Rimdu dance drama and the Baki Wanegu ritual combining Buddhist and Hindu elements. Western music was introduced in Nepal through the Nepali Army's military bands in the late 19th century, thanks to the Ranas' importation of Western ideas. Jang Bahadur's tour of Europe in 1850 was a significant cultural encounter bet...