Answer:
In contrast to Carnatic music, the other main Indian classical music tradition originating from the South, Hindustani music was not only influenced by ancient Hindu musical traditions, historical Vedic philosophy and native Indian sounds but also enriched by the Persian performance practices of the Mughals.
Instruments most commonly used in Hindustani classical music are the sitar, sarod, tambura, sahnai, sarangi, and tabla; while instruments commonly used in Karnatak classical music include the vina, mrdangam, kanjira, and violin.
What many people casually refer to as Indian music is actually the classical music of the north of the Indian subcontinent, embracing the expansive cultural and religious diversity of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and even Bhutan.
There are three basic layers to the texture of Indian Classical Music: MELODY (Voice, Sitar, Sarangi, Bansuri, Esraj or Sarod performing the melodic form of the Raga); DRONE (Tanpura or Harmonium performing long sustained noted); RHYTHM (Tabla performing the rhythmic Tala).
