Music in South Asia

Nepal

This land is a crossroads in the Himalayas, so its music features many influences from India and Tibet.

Again, there are many different kinds of music played by the Hindu and Buddhist folks nestled in the hills and valleys of Nepal, but if there’s one instrument that distinguishes Nepali music from music in India and Tibet, it is the madal. This small, barrel-shaped drum plays two tones and provides the rhythm for most folk music that makes its way onto Nepali radio stations and cassette players.

Nepal’s society is caste-oriented, and some of the castes specialize in music. The Gaine caste live as professional musicians in the western and central parts of the country and often go from house to house singing and playing the sarangi, a fiddle-like instrument.

Nepali weddings always have a band called a panchai baja, which consists of drums, cymbals, C-shaped horns, and shawms. These bands are usually moonlighting tailors from the Damai caste. Also, the Newars in the Kathmandu Valley are known for their nasal singing and drumming.

Use the menu to the left to learn more about
music in other South Asia countries.