Divine origin: It is a general belief that Indian music has a divine origin, that music began in
India as a form of worship and prayer to the Devas.
Vedic Origins: Indian music is the oldest music in the world, as it traces its origin from
Samaveda. The hymns were chanted in a musical manner.
Natya Shastra: The Natya Shastra, an ancient treatise attributed to Bharata Muni, the
theories of music found in it are also found in many Puranas, such as the Markandeya
Purana.
Ramayana and Mahabharata Influence: Carnatic music, draws significant inspiration from
ancient Indian scriptures and epics, including the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The Sangam Age: During the Sangam Age Tamil literature was produced, which has many
references of well-developed music.
Bhakti movement: The Bhakti movement profoundly shaped Carnatic music by
contributions of Bhakti poet-saints and composers, making it more accessible through the
use of vernacular languages, ensuring that devotion remains deeply intertwined in Carnatic
music.
Tevaram and Nalayira Divya Prabandham: The Tevaram and the Nalayira Divya
Prabandham are two significant collections of devotional hymns in Tamil literature that have
had a profound impact on the development of Carnatic music.