Indian Classical Music- Raga

Indian Classical Music- Raga

Overview

  • The term Raga refers to a structured sequence of notes in Indian classical music.
  • Ragas are the backbone of Indian classical music, as they provide the melodic structure.
  • Each Raga is intended to evoke specific moods or emotions, and can be associated with a certain time of the day or season.

Components of a Raga

  • A Raga consists of a minimum of five notes (Swaras).
  • Every Raga has a unique combination of these notes, marked by a specific ascending (Aroha) and descending (Avaroha) sequence.
  • In addition to Aroha and Avaroha, Ragas have two important notes: Vadi (most significant note) and Samvadi (second most significant note).
  • Between the two types of Raga, North Indian Hindustani Ragas and South Indian Carnatic Ragas, there are some structural differences but the essential concept remains the same.

Types of Raga

  • There are hundreds of Ragas, each with their own unique flavour and mood.
  • Ragas are often grouped by the time of day or season when they are typically performed, such as morning Ragas and monsoon Ragas.

Performance of Raga

  • A Raga performance usually begins with an exploratory section called Alap, where the performer introduces the Raga’s notes and motifs, and no rhythmic accompaniment is present.
  • The Alap is followed by the Jor, where the performer starts to introduce rhythm and pulse, but still without rhythmic accompaniment.
  • The final part of a Raga performance is called Gat or Bandish, it’s where the main composition is performed with rhythmic accompaniment and the performer improvises within the structure of the Raga.
  • The improvisation part is the essence of a Raga performance and demonstrates the performer’s skill and knowledge of the Raga.

Importance of Ragas

  • Ragas are seen as a form of musical story-telling and are deeply interwoven with the culture and spirituality of India.
  • The listener’s understanding and appreciation of a Raga performance can be heightened by understanding the emotional theme of the Raga.
  • Each Raga is believed to have a spiritual significance and the power to heal certain ailments.