Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c11.s1.t5: Tianzhu Music
Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c11.s1.t5
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Tianzhu Music
v2.c11.s1.t5.1
Tianzhu Yue (Hindustan Music) was one of the earliest foreign music introduced to China. It was brought into Pre Liang during 346-353 CE, and then turned to the Central Plains and became the court music at Sui and Tang Dynasties. According to *Sui Book · Music Collections*, "Hindustan was established when Zhang Zhonghua was occupying Liangzhou, and Hindustan music was introduced after translation took place four times and recording of tributary male dancers and singers," and according to *Old Tang Book·Music Collections*, "Hindustan Music was truly brought into China when the prince of Hindustan travelled in China as a monk." This indicated that Indian music and dance were introduced in China as early as in the middle of 4^th century CE and the *Music of Hindustan* with a strong Indian style, was truly brought into China when the prince of Hindustan travelled in China as a monk. Afterwards, Hindustan music became one of the seven music works and nine music works of Sui Dynasty, and one of nine music works and ten music works of Tang Dynasty. Hindustan is India. Hindustan music introduced to Sui Dynasty was supposed to be north Indian music and was associated with Buddhist music from clothing.
v2.c11.s1.t5.2
In Sui Dynasty, songs of Hindustan music include *Shashijiang* and the dances of Hindustan music include *The Song of Heaven*. The instruments include the phoenix head Kugo, pipa, five strings, flute, cowry, bronze drum, Maoyuan drum, Dutan drum and brass cymbals. Some changes happened in Tang Dynasty such as the musical instruments including five strings, Maoyuan drum, Dutan drum and fife, Hichiriki and Kakko were added in but there were no changes in the music list. When the performance was taking place, there were 12 instrumentalists and two dancers in special costumes. Instrumentalists were in black silk scarves, white silk jackets, purple damask silk pants and dark red capes. With braided hair, the dancers were in sunglow Kasaya (cloister cloth), leggings and green hemp shoes. It vanished after court music department disbanded.
v2.c11.s1.t5.3
(*Zhao Jiazi*)