Revisiting Music Perception through Hindustani Classical Music: A Neuroscientific Review with Cross-Cultural Comparisons

Kanika Andhare

Abstract: Hindustani Classical Music (HCM), a culturally rich and historically rooted tradition from North India, remains underrepresented in neuromusicological studies, which primarily focus on Western musical paradigms. This review aims to bridge this cultural gap by synthesizing existing empirical research on HCM and evaluating its implications for music perception, emotional response, and predictive modeling in the brain. The paper contrasts how trained and untrained listeners process tonality and emotion in HCM versus Western music, while also exploring the therapeutic potential of HCM in mental health and neurological conditions. By highlighting the limitations of existing models and advocating for culturally inclusive frameworks, this study encourages broader integration of diverse musical traditions into neuroscience and music therapy.

Keywords: Hindustani Classical Music, Music Perception, Neuroscience, Predictive Model, Music Therapy

How to Cite?: Kanika Andhare, "Revisiting Music Perception through Hindustani Classical Music: A Neuroscientific Review with Cross-Cultural Comparisons", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1197-1202, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25802114056, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25802114056