Number of empaneled Carnatic musicians in India in 2023, by type
Carnatic violinists made up the highest number of empaneled musicians in India as of 2023. This was followed by Carnatic vocalists, with 11 empaneled musicians during the same year. Through the empanelment, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations promotes and calls on the pool of artists to represent Indian art and culture abroad.
There are two major traditions in Indian classical music, Carnatic and Hindustani, differing in terms of origin and style of singing. Traditionally, Carnatic music belonged to south India and is known for its richness, rhythmic intricacy, and spiritual depth.