Contents: Foreword. Preface. Key to transliteration. 1. Impact of Indian thought and philosophy on Indian Classical Music. 2. A search for excellence in Indian Classical Music. 3. Indian Music-the coming decades. 4. Hindustani Classical Music of Modern India. 5. Agra Gharana - tradition and style. 6. Imitation and idealization -- an approach to Gharana Tradition: in Hindustani Classical Music. 7. State of Archival Music-with particular reference to Indian Classical Music. 8. Music in the life of Hazrat Inayat Khan. 9. Value of Cija in Hindustani Classical Music. 10. Meaning in language and music. 11. Melodic tensions. 12. The influence of music. Appendices: i. Chart showing lineage plus pupils. ii. Provided by Dr. Rohit Desai (Nadiad, Gujarat) Agra Gharana Repertoire of Ragas and Cijas. Index. 

"This book presents insightful reflections on different aspects of Indian Music--its roots, philosophy, growth, history, Guru-Shishya Parampara, Gharanas, contemporary scene and a glimpse of the coming decades. Analyzing the impact of Indian thought and philosophy on Indian Classical Music, it makes an appraisal of the contemporary scenario of Hindustani Classical Music. 

Taking a close look at tradition and style of Agra Gharana, with special focus on the rich repertoire of its Ragas and Chijas, it discusses at length the Khayala form, value of Chija in Hindustani Classical Music, and use of words in classical music. The musicianship of Hazrat Inayat Khan, who preached spirituality to the western world through the medium of Indian Music, has also been highlighted. The book is of great use for researchers in music."