Historical Development of Indian Music: A Critical Study c3.6

c3.6

The blind copying of particular compositions without any background or study of Shastras has brought present-day music to a sorry state. Eccentric mannerisms, distortions and such other influences have crept in. The obejct of music which is to please, has gone into the background. Acrobatics have gained prominence, and there is a danger of music losing populer support which is essential for its development and progress. Music is a dynamic art and if it does not adapt itself, on the foundation of the noble Shastras, to new conditions and create new forms, it will not be able to get any place in the new order of things. A large number of short-sighted musicians who have only a narrow view of things and are concerned only with themselves or their particular small group, do not realise that they are not helping in the growth or development of music. Unless we shed the eccentricities and acrobatics that have developed in music and make it more pleasant, more spiritual and more appealing, we will not be able to attract the public again to the enjoyment of musical art. If no heed is paid to this state of affairs, music is not likely to gain public support in spite af all efforts of the State to revive the art.