Also, many notation systems existed in parallel.

Different systems of notation were prevalent in each period of history in both Carnatic and Hindustani traditions. However, all the notations developed so far can be classified as script as opposed to staff notation used for western music.

But there was no uniformity in the notation system used from time to time. The tradition of using music notations for singing was practiced from Vedic times. If performed on an instrument, it assumes a singing style.Д¬arnatic music is usually performed by an ensemble of musicians consisting of a principal performer, usually a vocalist, accompanied by a rhythm instrument, melodic instrument, and a monophonic drone instrument. It is generally homophonic in nature with emphasis on vocal music. While the Carnatic classical music, uninfluenced by non-Indian music traditions, is the purest form of Indian music and is prevalent in the southern parts of the Indian subcontinent. The Hindustani classical music which is predominant in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, originates from the ancient Vedic, Persian, and many folk traditions. The music tradition of India can be divided into two large traditions, namely, Hindustani and Carnatic music. Indian classical music is one of the oldest music traditions in the world, and it enjoys the next position to western music in its popularity. As opposed to many existing music representation systems for western music notation, iSargam is the only music notation encoding system developed for Indian music notation. This work follows a novel idea of developing a Unicode-based encoding logic and allows storage and easy retrieval of music notation files in a computer. This paper deals with development of a music representation or encoding system for the Sargam notation scheme which enables easy music notation storage, publishing, and retrieval using computers. Like other music traditions, Carnatic music also has developed its musicography, out of which, a notation system called Sargam is most commonly practiced. The Carnatic music which is more popular in South India still continues to be uninfluenced by other music traditions and is one of the purest forms of Indian music. Indian classical music, including its two varieties, Carnatic and Hindustani music, has a rich music tradition and enjoys a wide audience from various parts of the world.

Indian carnatic music theory