What were the developments in music in the Sultanate Period?

Before the Sultanate Period, much of the music that was played in India was of a religious nature. People sang songs to show their devotion to their spirituality. When the Sultanate Period began, new instruments and musical styes were slowly introduced.The Turks brought with them to India musical instruments, such as the rabab and sarangi, that were unfamiliar to most in India.

Over time, new sounds were forged thanks to the merging of Persian and Indian musical styles. Gradually, music evolved from being solely for devotional reasons to being more lavishly played for pleasure and enjoyment. This evolution in music was encouraged by leaders, including Babur and Akbar. Both of these men were documented lovers of music and they even held musical meetings. Akbar, himself, played the nagara—a type of folk drum.