Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c11.18

v2.c11.18

Since the period of Indus Valley Civilisation, there have been carvings showing dancing with music, on which there are musical instruments such as flutes with seven holes. Since Vedic Age, Indian music at least has more than 3,000 years of history. Ode in *Rigveda* appearing around 1500 BCE can be regarded as the earliest lyrics. *Samaveda* is a song book of ancient times and is used by priests singing during sacrifices. Indian music probably originated from religious sacrificial ceremonies.