Indian Music (Hindustani) — Textbook & Study Material

Download the official textbook for Indian Music (Hindustani) and see the full chapter list so you know exactly what to cover.

What you will study (chapters)

Chapter 1: Introduction to Musical Terms
Chapter 2: Forms of Composition: Khayal
Chapter 3: Introduction to Ragas: Yaman, Bhupali, Khamaj, Bhairav and Desh
Chapter 4: Taal and Taal-lipi: Teentaal, Dadra, Kaharwa and Jhaptaal
Chapter 5: Swarlipi of Chota Khayal
Chapter 6: Eminent Musicians of Hindustani Music
Chapter 7: Topics of General Interest Related to Music
Chapter 8: Vocal Practical: Raga Demonstration, Taal Recitation, Alankars and Song
Chapter 9: Introduction to Musical Terms
Chapter 10: Types and Techniques of String Instruments
Chapter 11: Introduction to Ragas: Yaman, Bhupali, Khamaj, Bhairav and Desh
Chapter 12: Taal and Taal-lipi: Teentaal, Dadra, Kaharwa and Jhaptaal
Chapter 13: Swarlipi of Razakhani or Drut Gat
Chapter 14: Eminent Musicians of Hindustani Music
Chapter 15: Topics of General Interest Related to Music
Chapter 16: Instrumental Practical: Raga Demonstration, Taal Recitation, Alankars and Dhun
Chapter 17: Eminent Musicians of Hindustani Music
Chapter 18: Terms Related to Tabla
Chapter 19: Taal and Taal-lipi: Teentaal, Ektaal, Chaartaal, Rupak and Tivra
Chapter 20: Five Pranas of Taal
Chapter 21: Syllables of Tabla
Chapter 22: Topics of General Interest Related to Music
Chapter 23: Tabla Practical: Talas, Compositions, Syllables, Accompaniment and Lehra

Frequently asked questions

Is the Indian Music (Hindustani) textbook enough to score well, or do I need extra notes?

The official textbook is the core — most exam questions are set directly from it, so read it thoroughly first. Add concise notes and solved past papers for revision and exam practice rather than switching to unofficial books.

How should I study the Indian Music (Hindustani) textbook chapter by chapter?

Cover the high-weightage chapters first (use the exam pattern as a guide), make a one-page summary per chapter, and immediately solve a few past-paper questions on it. Active recall beats passive re-reading.

How can I prepare for Indian Music (Hindustani) faster?

Begin with the most-frequently-asked topics and the last few years of question papers, then test yourself under timed conditions. If you want guided help, you can use the free AI study tutor for Indian Music (Hindustani) — practise past-paper questions and get instant feedback — or a focused Indian Music (Hindustani) study guide that condenses the syllabus into the topics that matter most — both are free to start.