

Although Hindustani and Carnatic music share ragas, the names of the ragas and the performance style differs. They are the foundations of Indian music.On the other hand, in Carnatic music the expression of words is very clear and the meaning and pronunciation of the words is very important in conveying the mood of the performer. Hindustani Music adopts a vocabulary that is highly formal and the expression of words is not very clear.Carnatic music, on the other hand, emphasises both vocals and instruments because most compositions are in the gayaki format. In Hindustani music, the major emphasis is on vocal music that is, a vocal-centric group is necessary, with instruments made solely to support the singers.Because there is a specific manner of singing in Carnatic music, it is seemingly more rigid than Hindustani music. In Carnatic music, however, there is no room for improvisation, hence composition gets priority. It has a certain format of improvisation which is of more importance. Hindustani singers have the freedom to improvise.

Hindustani music, on the other hand, contains a wide range of content, including ghazals, kajiris, thumris, and bhajans (social in nature or mythological). Carnatic music often includes spiritual and philosophical themes.It will not be sung in the evening if the lyrics are about the afternoon. The performance of songs that connect to a specific time of day is particularly important in Hindustani music.
