Historical Development of Indian Music: A Critical Study c7.3

c7.3

Now, what do we mean by music? The English word music is a derivative from French word ‘muse’. In Sanskrit it is called ‘gāna’, ‘gīti’ or ‘sangīta’. It is a combination of sweet sounds that pleases and soothes the minds of living beings. It originates in the succession of tones that produce agreeable and pleasing sensations. It is, in truth, the man's expression of deeper converse with the innermost spirit, through the medium of tones and tunes. It is the language of living being's deeper soul. It is quite different from the speech sound or the speaking language. The musical sound is possessed of sweet tune, impregnated with divine lustre (lāvaṇya), aesthetic sentiment and mood (rasa and *bhāva*). This *lāvanya* may be compared to the lustre of a jewel or crystal. It is also found in the face of a man or woman, which looks sweet and loving. It can be said to be a symbol that represents the inner essence of man and animal.