| Area Of Differentiation | Hindustani Music | Carnatic Music |
| Origin | North India | South India |
| Style Of Singing | Gharana Style | Vocal Style |
| Words usage in singing | Formal depiction | Words are significant. They express their emotions. |
| Improvisation | Restricted to a specific format. Some degree of improvisation. | Fewer restrictions |
| Ragas | 6 ragas and 10 modes | 7 notes with semi-tones |
| Tempo | Slow tempo with long notes. The notes increase with increasing intensity | Fast tempo. The tempo remains constant with short notes. |
| Instruments | Tabla, Santoor, Sitar, Sarangi, Clarinet | Jalatarangam, Veena, Mandolin, Mridangam |
| Influence | Saw a blending with Arab,Persian and Afghan musical influence. | Mostly indigenous |
| Ornamentation | No ornamentation is used for enhancing the emotions | Oscillation exists between the notes. This creates intellectual and more spiritual performances |
