How has the tradition of Indian classical music been passed down through the generations? Why does this method of transmitting Indian classical music encourage improvisation and spontaneous creation of the music in live performances before audiences?

What will be an ideal response?

• Indian classical music is transmitted as an oral tradition passed down through history by memory. The music is written down only in sketchy form to nudge the memory.


• Since this music is not written down in precise music notation by a composer, no definitive version of the music exists. Therefore, the musical renditions may become highly variable with a new and unique treatment of the song coming into existence each time the song is performed.