Music and Musicians in Late Mughal India: Histories of the Ephemeral, 1748–1858

This book explores the first history of music and musicians in late Mughal India, c.1748–1858, using a vast archive of Indian writings and visual sources. It examines how a key Mughal cultural field responded to the political, economic, and social upheaval of the transition to British rule and addresses a central philosophical question: can we ever recapture the ephemeral experience of music once the performance is over? The sources provide a new history of music, musicians, and their audiences during the pivotal transitional period in which North Indian classical music coalesced in its modern form.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This captivating book delves into the captivating history of music and musicians in late Mughal India, spanning from c.1748 to 1858. By drawing upon a vast, virtually unstudied archive of Indian writings, alongside visual sources, it offers a groundbreaking exploration into the world of music during this pivotal period. Through the lives of nine remarkable musicians, this work serves as a gateway into six prominent types of writing on music in Persian, Brajbhasha, Urdu, and English, traversing from the bustling streets of Delhi to the enchanting cities of Lucknow, Hyderabad, Jaipur, and even among the British.

The book uncovers how music, as a vital cultural field, responded to the profound political, economic, and social upheaval that accompanied the transition to British rule. It poses a central philosophical question: can we ever truly recapture the ephemeral experience of music once the performance concludes? These rich and diverse sources shed new light on the broader historical processes of this transformative era, providing a fresh perspective on the history of music, musicians, and their audiences during the precise period when North Indian classical music emerged into its modern form.

The book's meticulous research and meticulous analysis offer a rich tapestry of information, painting a vivid picture of the musical landscape during this period. It explores the various musical genres, styles, and instruments that flourished, as well as the social and cultural contexts in which they emerged. The lives of the nine musicians serve as focal points, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of their contributions to the world of music and their impact on the broader cultural landscape.

Furthermore, the book delves into the complex interplay between music and politics, religion, and society during this period. It sheds light on the role of musicians in the Mughal court, their interactions with other artists and intellectuals, and the ways in which music was used to convey messages and influence public opinion. The book also explores the influence of British rule.

Weight: 824g
Dimension: 175 x 253 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316517857