Title

Cosmological Elements in Hindustani Traditional Music

Creator

Tsigani, Eirini

Abstract

This project aims to exemplify how musical structure itself can sonically represent metaphysical ideas. First, it examines puranic cosmology to explain how time is viewed as moving through four ages (yugas) which together form one great cycle (mahayuga), then it delves into each of the yugas that make up this cycle of creation, preservation and destruction and their respective characteristics. This explanation is necessary to show how this is all symbolized in Hindusthani musical forms. The overall aim is to showcase how Hindusthani classical music, specifically the structure of the Dhrupad, is an audible reflection of the structure of the universe.

Keywords

hinduism

cosmology

music

Subject

interdisciplinary

Date Available

May 28, 2026

Type

PowerPoint Presentation

Course

HFP 2215 Sonic Cosmology

Course Offering Term

Fall semester 2025

Instructor

Tsekouras, Ioannis

Session

Honors Creative Projects

Location

Student Lounge

Event

Year 2026 | 10th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium