There is a saying in Sanskrit, “Ranjayathi iti Ragah” which means, “that which colors the mind is a Raga”. This phrase perfectly encapsulates the true essence of Indian classical music that can be traced back to nearly two thousand years. It finds its origins in the Vedic hymns of the Hindu temples, the true fundamental source of all Indian music. A Raga is truly a mystical expression that extols the essence of Indian classical music whose entire foundation is structured around the concept of a Raga. It has a strong musical personality of its own, that colors the intricate rhythms and melodies of classical music. An artist who begins to learn Indian classical music will first dive into the soulful learnings of the ragas which will transition him into the harmonious word of classical music.

At Furtados School of Music, we aspire to provide a platform for every classical music enthusiast to bask in the melodious symphonies of Indian classical music which derives its musical ethos from the ragas. Our online classical music classes are the ideal place for every aspiring musician to embark on a mystical journey of classical music, in the comfort of their home. As they learn Indian classical music online, they will continue to unveil its intricate layers by diving into the world of ragas that forms the very foundation of Indian classical music. As we take a glimpse into classical musical renderings, let’s trace the importance of Ragas which is considered as the heart and soul of Indian classical music.

There are various reasons why ragas are given utmost importance in Indian classical music learning;

Sets a musical framework for the artist:

A raga or a raag is a melodic framework that gives meaning to classical music. It entails an array of melodic structures with musical motifs that gives an artist the liberty to explore and improvise, by formulating a nuanced understanding of classical music through its raags. It is truly a unique aspect of classical music with its ability to color one’s mind and evoke a plethora of emotions in its listeners. Each raga has its own unique ability to set a foundation for every classical musician, by providing him/her with a musical framework through which they can concoct their musical symphonies. The specific notes within a raga can be reordered and improvised by a musician. They range from small rāgas like Bahar and Shahana that are not much more than songs to big rāgas like Malkauns, Darbari and Yaman, which have great scope for improvisation and for which performances can last over an hour. Thus, it is truly a tonal framework composition and improvisation in Hindustani classical music.

Unveils emotions and sentiments:

A raga is meant to invoke pure emotions and sentiments in the hearts of its listeners. The beauty of Indian classical music lies in the artistic synthesis of beautifully blended ragas that have the ability to provoke an overwhelming sensation among classical music enthusiasts. Its soothing effects create a flow of overpowering emotions, as each artist experiences every classical raga with great immensity by divulging into the fervent essence of music and giving it more depth and meaning. It is truly an art of constructing expressive musical renditions, where various emotions and sentiments are revealed through the outlet of music. It is based on the concept of Nava Rasa or the Nine Sentiments - Shringara (romantic and erotic): Hasya (humorous): Karuna (pathetic): Raudra (anger): Veera (heroic): Bhayanaka (fearful): Vibhatsa (disgustful): Adbhuta (amazement): Shanta (peaceful). Each raga is principally dominated by one of these nine rasas.  The ability of the artist to trigger these emotions among his audience depends on his knowledge of the raga along with the artist's hold over his own emotions. It is a heartfelt concoction of swaras and aalapanas which arouses a meditative ambiance and elevates the spirits of the audience. It lures the listeners into a state of trance which is upheld till the end of the rendition. 

Division of Ragas:

Along with being associated with a particular mood, each raga has an emotional as well as symbolic association with seasons and time. The cycle of day and night, as well as the cycle of the season, is analogous to the cycle of life itself. Each part of the day is associated with a particular sentiment that finds its roots in ragas that adorns the fabric of Indian classical music. The power of a single Raag was so forcefully strong, that it was thought to have supernatural effects such as bringing rain or causing a fire. Thus, in addition to specific tonal and musical qualities, ragas have also been long associated with extra-musical features such as time, season, aesthetic attributes, and other contexts.

Thus, as students soak in these delightful ragas, they continue to encapsulate the true essence of Indian classical music.