It shouldn't be assumed that Indian tunes being heard are British in origin.

I recently spent time in Rajasthan - a north east region of India. This is the area from where the Romany began their traipse across Europe many centuries ago. It makes absolute sense that traditions including dance and music will have travelled to and imbeded themselves within new music traditions.

Here's a wee film promo that describes it well

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2FXe2vdzfg&feature=related

While there, I was particularly interested to hear tribal music, where the original sounds/dance continue Music and dance was a part of everyday life - women, men and children all had their part. The tribal people often conformed to all the stereotype images of 'gypsies' that I grew up with - the women often wearing layered sumptuous fabrics and dripping with jewellery. Here is an interesting article

http://www.redflag.org.uk/frontline/july09/buskbusk.html

Just as in the west, there are many styles of Indian music depending on the community, ethnic group, religion, region etc. I was very touched by the style of some Rajasthani folk (desert tribal) songs, especially that sung by children. At times it felt familiar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NvcfGA2bKM

But this last 'diddly' clip is fantastic - note the circular breathing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2FXe2vdzfg&feature=related

(sorry I haven't done the blue clicky thing)