During the last two centuries major changes and developments took place within the tradition of Indian instrumental music. Factors responsible for this include the shifting patronage of local courts, the Mutiny in 1857 and the establishment of the Indian capital in Kolkata. Modifications introduced by the great masters and their followings, the role of the great centers of music, the ups and downs of individual fields within the tradition and the social conditions of the instrument makers in general will be discussed. The musical instruments relevant to the lecture include the Sitar, Sur-Bahar, Rabab, Sur-Shringar, Sarod, Mohan-Veena, Sur-Chayan, Esraj, Nava-Deepa, Dil-Bahar and Been or Rudra-Veena.
