Music is a gift of nature. Every particle in the universe reverberates with the sound of celestialmusic. Music is also represented in Nature. Wherever there is music the Divine is always present. Hindustani Classical Music has developed as a consequence of complex interaction between different people, races and cultures. The basis for Hindustani Classical Music is "sangeet", a combination of three art forms: vocal music, instrumental music and dance.

Musical Traditions in Rajasthan

Music and dance are deeply ingrained in the life of the people of Rajasthan. The cool stillness of the desert after the searing heat of the day and the upsurge of life in the short-lived rainy season or spring are filled with soulful, full-throated music and rhythmic dance. All the regions of Rajasthan have their distinct style of classical entertainment. Through the medium of music the anecdotes of the chivalrous Rajputs are sung. The music engenders both a spirit of identity and provides entertainment as relief from the daily stresses and strains of a harsh existence.

Music in the Courts of Mewar

It is impossible to state with certainty when and how the uninterrupted existence of music in Mewar originated. The Ahar civilization of Mewar has been accepted as contemporary to the oldest Indus Valley civilization. In the excavation of Ahar civilization in Mewar, a ceramic icon of a female dancer and a sketch inscribed in the form of a dumroo (a small drum like musical instrument) of 1800 BC have been found. These indicate a very ancient tradition of music in Mewar. The correlation between the Ahar civilization of Mewar and the Indus Valley Civilization also clearly suggest the antiquity of music in Mewar. One can infer that the people of Mewar might have been absorbed in music at the dawn of civilization. In due course of time, along with the growth of civilization, the music in Mewar also grew.

Nature has freely bestowed upon Mewar the invaluable gifts of charming geographical surroundings and lively, curious inhabitants. Music is the best and most effective means of self-expression. At the same time it is a living mirror of civilization and culture. It is not only a means of entertainment, but also an important part of life. It is a yoga, which helps refine the capabilities of human beings whilst following the direction of Harit Rashi in the form of service to mankind and religion, through the preservation of the culture of Mewar. The Maharana's of Mewar have always given patronage and support towards the continuation of the age-old traditions of music. Devoted to music, the Maharana's were also well versed in fine arts and literature. The land of Mewar has been a wonderful meeting ground for bravery, devotion, and sacrifice mingling harmoniously with literature, painting, architecture and music. The political history of Mewar is not only the history of foreign invasions, internal feudal strife and turmoil, but it is also the history of promoting the arts and culture. Many battles fought on the soil of Mewar were for safeguarding the principles, for establishing justice and freedom. But from the point of view, even during the painful periods of political manoeuvrings, the passion that the Maharana's had for art, music, continued to flow unobstructed. The spontaneous music of Mewar has its traditions in the Ahar and Sindhughati civilizations. Mewar's natural boundaries made it a land of unconquerable bravery. Within these boundaries there developed a wealth of arts, music and poetry - man's natural delicate and sensitive involvement with his environment. Guhil founded the State of Mewar in 568 AD, and his descendants have ruled over the area ever since. Separated from the rest of India by the Aravali range and dense forests, Mewar developed the spirit of iron discipline and stoic resolve, which was to become its most salient feature and to arm its determined resistance. The House of Mewar was founded upon principles of "Trusteeship" which are its underlying structure and strength. According to history, in the eight century, the founder father of the House of Mewar, Bappa Rawal was appointed initiated and confirmed in his role by Guru Harit Rishi, who laid down cardinal rules for the governance of the state, based on the concept of service. Guru Harit Rashi's tenets were based upon respect for mankind, service to the community, and more importantly, adherence to and maintenance of the ancient Vedic Culture. The Maharana's of Mewar served the cause of "manav dharma'" and put a major share of their efforts into the protection and development which resulted in Mewar's rich legacy and tradition of Hindustani Classical Music.

The Maharana's themselves were passionate lovers of music art and literature - the softer more gently pursuits in their warrior lives. They were erudite classicists and music lent an atmosphere of peace and harmony. It developed the sensory perceptions so lacking in the harsh life of a worthy soldier. The 'Nagaar Khana' was for the shahanaai-players and nagaara players who performed daily at sunrise and sunset. The department of 'Sangeet Prakash' played an important role in the encouragement of music by providing sufficient patronage and support to the artists in the royal court of Mewar. In the political background of Mewar, music was used to infuse a sentiment of valour and supreme sacrifice on the battlefield through the 'chaarans' or bhats. The songs enhanced the brilliant forms and techniques of music. The appreciative rulers honoured the musicians by conferring titles and "jagirs" thus providing them with financial assistance. From the days of Bappa Rawal, the founders of the Guhilot dynasty in Mewar, to Arvind Singh Mewar, the present custodian, the Royal house of Mewar has always been patrons and supporters of Kavi-kovids (learned poets).