THE REVOLUTION OF COMMUNICATION MEDIA IN THE PRESERVATION AND PROMOTION OF MUSIC: A CRITICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract [English]

Today, music lovers and connoisseurs across the entire world have acknowledged the eternal nature, spirituality, and excellence of Indian music. While, on one hand, the Government of India has taken various policy-related, financial, and cultural measures to popularize Indian music globally—thereby providing a platform for Indian musicians on the world stage—on the other hand, the contribution of diverse communication media in this field must be unequivocally acknowledged. This is because the modern technologies currently being utilized within the realm of communication media have transformed Indian music into an integral part of 'global music.' These communication media—including print media, electronic media, digital media, and others—have brought about a revolution in the preservation and promotion of music.

Years ago, this very music was the exclusive monopoly of a select few *Gharana*-based artists and musicians, as they imparted their musical knowledge solely to their own sons, grandsons, family members, and a handful of chosen disciples. In that era, due to the absence of technologies such as the gramophone, we were unable to preserve their artistic legacy. Consequently, it was not uncommon for the musical heritage of certain childless musicians to vanish forever with their passing. Even after the advent of the gramophone, some traditionalist musicians remained averse to the idea of ​​recording their music; however, many artists subsequently consented to do so—a decision that enables us to continue listening to their music even after their demise. Today, thanks to the revolution in communication media, the general public can easily access knowledge regarding both the practical and theoretical aspects of music. In this research paper, I have undertaken a critical study of the status of music—both prior to and following the advent of communication media—and the impact exerted upon it. Specifically, I have examined when and by which inventions our music was influenced, and how these communication media have served to preserve and enrich our musical heritage.