SOCIOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS ON INDIAN MUSICAL HERITAGE: PROMOTING HEALING, RESILIENCE, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN A STRATIFIED SOCIETY

Abstract

Music in India, is deeply embedded within the cultural fabric. It is not just an art but a key aspect that ensures social well-being and stability. This paper integrates ancient Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) with the modern sociological frameworks to study how music keeps society together, helps people heal, and develops resilience. Narrative review approach is preferred to link different types of evidence, including Vedic texts, ethnographic records of oral traditions, modern public health policies, etc. The study takes help of conflict theory, structural functionalism, and symbolic interactionism to unfold findings. The review indicates traditional practices, that helped build social bond, were not accessible across social segments, and even though 90% of the population found it beneficial, it never grabbed attention of National Health Policies. The study also highlights structural barriers like digital divide in rural music education and identifies gender inequality in music profession. The study emphasizes that music is such a resource which is being neglected and not being utilized to its full potential in the process of achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3- Good Health, and SDG 10- Reduced Inequalities. The study strongly recommends policy intervention to acknowledge traditional healing practices, and to formalize therapeutic education, training, and practices through frameworks like AYUSH. The study attempts to bridge the gap between historical heritage and modern sustainability, where music seems to be a crucial tool for societal resistance.