Indian music system is estimated to be two thousand years old. The first proof of Indian music can be traced back to the ancient Hindu temples where rhyming chants of Vedic hymns were prime instruments of regular rituals. These Vedic hymns are considered as elementary resource of all forms of Indian music.
Indian music system is based on principle of rhythm and melody which is entirely different from western classical music. Similarly, Malayalam music also relies upon melody and rhythm for expression.
Among the different forms of Indian classical music, carnatic music is the primary and most popular classical form of music in kerala. Carnatic music is credited to gift ‘Sopana Style’ of music to Indian classical music. Malayalam classical music has produced many eminent composers. The names that strike the bell are, Maharaja Swati Thirunal ( Travancore, 19th century), Shadkala Govinda Marar, Irayimman Thampy (both 19th century), K.C. Kesava Pillai and Thankachi. Most famous classical songs are; Sankara Nandhana, Kettum Ketti, Mandalam Nolukkum to name a few.
Compared to carnatic music, Hindustani music is less popular in kerala yet there are particular places where Hindustani music has a deep impact. One of these particular places is Malabar region where people greatly follow Hindustani classical music. The culture of north kerala displays an active inclination towards other forms of Malayalam songs. Qawalis, Ghazals are quite popular in northern part of kerala.
Because of religious diversity of kerala, Malayalam music also has elements of devotional songs, folk music and instrumental music. Presence of different religions like, Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Christians etc have resulted in great devotional music. Kerala’s folk music strongly reflects the heavy influence of rhyme and rhythm in its compositions.
Malayalam instrumental music basically uses Violin, Mandolin, Thabala and Mridangam etc. some of the famous names in carnatic music are Muthuswami Deekshithar, Thyagaraja Swamikal, Shemmankudi Sreenivasan and Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar.