In a first, book on Indian classical music in Chinese language released

In a first of its kind initiative, an encyclopedia of Indian classical music in Chinese language was unveiled here on Wednesday. The book titled "The Musical Culture of India", which traces back the origins of various Indian music forms, was authored by noted Chinese musician and scholar Prof Chen Ziming. The book was launched at the Indian Embassy here by the Deputy Ambassador of India, Dr Acquino Vimal, and renowned Bharatnatyam exponent Leela Samson.

Launching the book, Vimal said the growing popularity of Indian music in China shows that is a powerful means to bring people of the two countries closer. Praising Chen's contribution towards popularising Indian music in China, he said, "His book has great significance. It has systematic exposition of musical culture in India." Vimal also underlined the importance being given by India to promote people to people exchanges between the two countries. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will preside over the 2nd meeting of the People to People Exchange Mechanism along with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during his scheduled visit to Beijing between August 11 and August 13. Chen, 86, is a famous violinist and is associated with China Conservatory of Music, a leading institution for the study of traditional Chinese music and musical instruments, had spent decades in India studying Indian music.

"The book is a first monograph on music in India written in Chinese which can fill the void in the field," said Chen, who was closely associated with sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar and Samson. The book has 13 chapters of content, including on cultural background, origin, history, types of Indian music, basic theory, ragas, talas, musical instruments, music genre and folk music.