Musical traditions shape the social identity of Indian cities

Chitra Srikrishna explores how musical traditions define the social fabric and identity of Indian cities in her book, Band, Baaja, Bhava: A Musical Journey Across India.

The author describes how Chennai transforms into one of the world's largest music festivals during its December season. During this time, the city hosts numerous concerts and lecture demonstrations where Carnatic music serves as a central pillar of the community.

The author notes that these traditions are woven into everyday life, from the billboards and venues to the temporary canteens that serve traditional food to the crowds. Srikrishna argues that cities develop distinct acoustic identities based on their unique histories, migrations, and celebrations. She explains that while some sounds are communal and tied to specific neighborhoods like Dharavi or Harlem, others are tied to rituals, such as the brass bands in New Orleans that accompany funeral processions.

In India, these sounds range from the religious devotion of Andal's Thiruppavai verses to the earthy pulse of gaana music in local streets. The book examines the contrast between global and hyperlocal sounds. For example, Punjabi hip-hop has created a borderless identity that travels from Canada to Punjab. In contrast, Carnatic music remains anchored in Chennai, supported by a tightly knit community of teachers and students.

Srikrishna suggests that listening to these sounds reveals stories of migration, memory, and which communities are given a platform to be heard.