In the acceptation in which it is taken by us, the word sangίta has a complex signification. It means the union of three things—gita, vádya and nritya ; or song, percussion and dancing. The works that treat of the principles and laws of both vocal and instrumental music, and of the rules and directions with regard to the whole scope of theatric representation, are called Sangita Sastras. Sangita Sastra may be considered in a two-fold view—as a science and as an art.
By Sourindro Mohun Tagore