The composer launched the campaign, Songs of Mystery, a combination of music, archaeology and technology
Shankar Mahadevan flanked by Kersi Lord and Songs of Mystery founder Shail Vyas
Our art and music are as old as our country. Although a lot of research is being constantly done to find facts in history, most research focusses on the political and socioeconomic aspects of historical times. Music is an indispensable part of our culture. Even our scriptures have a major component of music.
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Shankar Mahadevan flanked by Kersi Lord and Songs of Mystery founder Shail Vyas
For what is deemed the very first time, the most mysterious parts of our history live again through music. Songs of Mystery is a mission that traces the history of music from Indus Valley civilization, vedic, epic (Ramayan, Mahabharat) and later times in India.
Shail Vyas, founder, Songs of Mystery, has released the first set of his findings with a high quality video featuring many ancient instruments. “It is a Herculean task. This is a historic moment for not just India, but for the entire music world,” said Bollywood composer Shankar Mahadevan on the occasion. A unique combination of music, archaeology and modern technology, the project is an attempt to bring many extinct instruments, sounds and singing styles from the ancient India, back to life. “The idea of the project is to understand and re-create the entire journey of music in India from the Stone Age to modern times,” said Vyas.
The authenticity of the project has been certified by archaeologists, art historians and senior experts on sound production and musical arrangement. The advisory board for authenticity certification of songs includes archaeologist, Indologist and art historian Dr Arvind Jamkhedkar, archaeologist, former Director of Project for Indian Cultural Studies Dr Kirit Mankodi, Dr Arjun Deo Charan, an expert on folk performing arts, Vice Chairman of National School of Drama (NSD) and former Chairman of Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Academy, and veteran film composer Kersi Lord.
“Most of these six years were spent in finding out how to do this seemingly impossible task and to come up with primary results. But now our methods are already in place. If we get all the needed support, the entire world will be able to see the vastness of our civilization and its cultural heritage.” said Shail Vyas.