Understanding Ragas: The Soul of Indian Classical Music

Did you know that Indian Classical Music dates back over 2,000 years to the Vedic Period? One of the four Vedas, the Sama Veda, is observed as the primary source that features chants and musical systems. Indian Classical Music consists of Ragas (melodic structures) and Talas (rhythmic cycles) that are believed to have spiritual powers. Slowly, around the Medieval period in 13th Century AD, Indian Classical Music started to diverge into two main pillars, Hindustani and Carnatic music with the external influence from Persian, and parts of Central Asia.

Hindustani music is mostly seen in the Northern part of India, whereas Carnatic music belongs to the southern part of India. Hindustani music, more prevalent in the North, was influenced by the Persian and Mughal performance practices. This influence led to new musical forms and instrumental developments like the Sitar and tabla, which are prominent in genres like Qawwali and Khayal.

On the other hand, Carnatic Music remained closer and tightly connected with ancient Indian and regional roots, which were shaped by the Bhakti movement. Even through such developments, one thing remained constant, and that was the crux of Traditional Music of India, the Ragas!

Let’s dive deeper into understanding the Ragas and the role they play in Indian Classical Music.

What is Raga?

Raga is a way of organising musical notes in Indian classical music. It is a collection of Sur and Swar sung in a way that brings out a specific mood or feeling, like happiness, peace, or longing. The word Raga comes from Sanskrit word “Rang” which means colour signifying ragas essentially colours your mind to bring out a certain emotion or feeling.

They bring structure but also leave room for creativity and emotion in every performance.

Elements of a Raga

There are several key elements that contribute to the uniqueness of Ragas. Swaras or notes and Scales, are one of the primary elements present in all the components mentioned below.

Ragas use seven fundamental notes, which I am sure you all must be fairly accustomed with since our early childhood- Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni, Sa, in their pure or modified form.

Moving on to the other elements of Raga as given below:

• Arohana (Ascending notes)

  Arohana is the upward move of notes in a Raga. It shows how notes rise from low Sa to high Sa. Every Raga has its own Arohana. Some go straight. Others skip or slide between notes. These small changes help make Raga’s mood. For example, the Arohana in Raga Yaman, which goes Ni Re Ga Ma Dha Ni Sa, creates a calm and soothing feel. Arohana sets the base for the whole tune. A Raga often begins with the Arohana, as it shows how the notes rise and helps express the mood of the Raga. It also leads the listener into the melody. A strong Arohana makes the Raga easier to recall. It helps shape how the entire performance will sound.

• Avarohana (Descending notes)

  Avarohana is how Raga moves down the scale. It shows how notes return from high Sa to low Sa. Each Raga has a unique Avarohana. Sometimes it matches the Arohana. But mostly, both are unique in itself. This change adds variety and makes the music richer. Sometimes, the Avarohana is smooth taking up every note sequentially while sometimes it can skip notes to bring out variations. For example, the Avarohana in Raga Bhairav is slow and gentle, which delivers a calm and thoughtful feel. The fall in the scale is not just about going back. It brings balance to Raga, and also helps finish the emotional flow. A strong Avarohana ties the music together. It makes the Raga feel whole. It is like ending a sentence correctly.

• Vadi (Most important note)

  Vadi is the most vital note in a Raga. It is the note heard most and gives the Raga its key emotion. Musicians often come back to the Vadi while playing. It shapes the tune and keeps the music steady. Vadi is picked to fit Raga’s mood and its time. For example, in Raga Bihag, Ga is the Vadi. It gives Raga a light and romantic feel. The Vadi is not always the highest or lowest note. It is the note holding Raga’s emotion. When used well, it pulls the listener in the emotion. It becomes the heart of the tune. Vadi is like the lead part in a story. It stands out but also lets other notes shine.

• Samvadi (Second-most important note)

  The Samvadi is the second-most vital note in Raga. It works near Vadi to shape Raga’s sound. While the Vadi leads, the Samvadi gives support and balance. If Dha is the Vadi in Raga Bhairav, then Re is the Samvadi. This pair makes Raga sound rich and whole. Samvadi is more than just a helper. It plays a strong part in showing Raga’s feeling. When the musician uses Samvadi right, it adds emotion and beauty. It is like a close friend to Vadi. Always there to give support. The balance between Vadi and Samvadi is key to the Raga’s self.

• Pakad (Characteristic phrase)

  Pakad is a short and clear group of notes that shows the true sound of a Raga. It acts like a musical signature. Every Raga’s Pakad makes it easy to recognise and remember. This phrase is often repeated during a performance. It reminds the listener of Raga’s identity. The Pakad is not just a random mix of notes. It follows the rules of the Raga and shows its mood in just a few seconds. For example, the phrase Ni Re Ga Ma helps people recognise Raga Desh. Musicians use the Pakad to stay true to the Raga, even when they are improvising. It is like a familiar path they keep coming back to during the performance. A well-played Pakad adds clarity and charm. It helps the audience connect with the Raga quickly. Like a catchy line in a song, the Pakad stays in the mind long after the music stops.

Structure of a Classical Performance

A classical music performance usually follows a set structure. It moves step by step, slowly creating mood, rhythm, and energy. Each part has its own place and purpose.

• Alap (Free-form exploration): This is the quiet beginning. The artist introduces the Raga gently, without rhythm. It sets the tone and helps the listener settle in.
• Jor (Rhythmic development): Here, a steady pulse is added post alap. You start to feel a sense of movement since the melody gets more defined.
• Jhala (Fast rhythmic passages): The music speeds up, filled with fast notes and rhythm. It shows the artist’s energy and talent.
• Composition presentation: A set piece is played or sung based on the Raga. It can be any composition, a song, or an instrumental piece that brings together melody and rhythm.
• Improvisation techniques: The artist adds their own touch while preserving the essence of the Raga. This makes each performance special and personal.
• Jati (Note Count Structure): This defines how many notes are used in the Arohana and Avarohana. It helps shape the identity of Raga. Jatis can be simple or complex, guiding the way a Raga flows and feels.

Classification and Types of Ragas

The Ragas have been grouped in different ways to match the mood of the moment. Here are the three most common types of Ragas:

1. Based on Time of Day

   Each raga carries a specific sense of emotion, mood, or energy, which is linked to a specific time of the day.

   • Morning Ragas are calm and gentle, ensuring a quiet start to the day; these are usually performed between 6 AM and 12 PM.
   • Afternoon Ragas bring a soft and easy mood that matches the slow pace of the afternoon. These are usually performed between 12 PM and 6 PM.
   • Evening Ragas are full of feeling and complement the beauty of the sunset and are usually performed between 6 PM and 12 AM.
   • Late Night / Early Morning Ragas feel deep and quiet, perfect for the stillness of the night. They are usually performed between 12 AM and 6 AM.

2. Based on Season

   Some ragas are tied to seasons. Their sounds reflect the mood of nature during those times.

   • Monsoon Ragas: These ragas feel cool and soothing, like the sound of rain. They often express longing and calm, perfect for rainy days.
   • Spring Ragas: Spring ragas are bright and joyful. Their playful notes mirror blooming flowers and the feeling of new beginnings.
   • Winter Ragas: These are slower and more serious. They bring warmth and depth, offering comfort during cold, quiet days.
   • Summer Ragas: Light and airy, these ragas feel bright and lively. Their melodies match the strong energy of long, sunny days.

3. Based on Emotional Theme

   Ragas show different emotions. Each Raga is made to bring out a feeling like love, sorrow, peace, or courage. Musicians use them to share these emotions with others. This makes the music something you feel and not just hear. The Natya Shastra names nine main emotions. These are also called the Navarasas. Each Rasa shows a different mood. Some Ragas show love while others show anger, peace, or wonder. Here are the nine Rasas and their meanings:

   • Shringara (Love and Romance): This Rasa shows love, beauty, and desire. The music feels soft and full of feeling.
   • Hasya (Laughter and Joy): Hasya is fun and cheerful. It brings smiles and lightness to the heart.
   • Karuna (Compassion and Sadness): Karuna shows sadness, care, and kindness. The music feels gentle and touching.
   • Raudra (Anger and Fury): This Rasa is strong and bold. It carries anger, power, and force.
   • Veera (Courage and Heroism): Veera stands for bravery and strength. It lifts the spirit and gives hope.
   • Bhayanaka (Fear and Anxiety): This Rasa brings fear or worry. The sound feels tense and uneasy.
   • Bibhatsa (Disgust and Aversion): It shows rejection or dislike. It may sound rough, but it has meaning.
   • Adbhuta (Wonder and Amazement): Adbhuta is full of magic and surprise. It makes you feel curious and amazed.
   • Shanta (Peace and Calm): This Rasa brings peace and stillness. It leaves you calm and quiet inside.

Hindustani vs Carnatic Ragas

Hindustani and Carnatic music; each has its own way of using Ragas. Hindustani music from North India, is known for its slower, more meditative pace. Hindustani ragas often begin with a long Alap, where the artist slowly builds the mood and introduces each note. There’s plenty of room for improvisation, with a strong focus on emotion and the natural flow of the performance.

While, Carnatic music, from the Southern India is more structured and rhythm driven. Ragas here are usually presented through fixed compositions called Kritis, which have set lyrics and patterns. While there’s still room for improvisation, it follows stricter rules.

Both the forms use the same base idea of Raga. But how they are sung or played feels very different. Yet, both styles try to show deep emotion to touch the listener’s soul.

Ragas in Hindustani music follow the Thaat system. Thaats are parent scales that help groups and identify different ragas. Carnatic ragas belong to the Melakarta system which has 72 main ragas. Both these systems shape how each raga sounds and the time of performance.

Popular Carnatic Ragas

There are 72 Carnatic Ragas in total. Here are the most popular ones

1. Shankarabharanam: This raga sounds bright and full of joy. It is often used at the start of concerts. It suits both fast and slow songs. Its smooth flow makes it easy to enjoy.
2. Kalyani: Kalyani feels grand and uplifting. It works well for classical and devotional songs. The notes blend well and give a rich sound.
3. Bhairavi: Bhairavi is soft and emotional. It is full of devotion. It is sung at the end of concerts and leaves a peaceful feel.
4. Kambhoji: Kambhoji has a bold and royal sound. It is used for long songs. It shows both skill and emotion.
5. Kharaharapriya: This raga sounds calm and smooth. Many Carnatic songs use it. It brings a relaxed and happy mood.

Popular Hindustani Ragas

There are 6 main ragas in Hindustani classical music as given below.

1. Yaman: Yaman is sweet and calm raga. Generally, played during the evening time, it feels peaceful and is one of the easiest ragas to learn.
2. Bhairav: Bhairav, on the other hand, is a serious and spiritual raga. It is a morning raga that helps start the day with focus.
3. Darbari Kanada: This raga is deep and strong. It is slow and is usually played at night. The sound of this raga is heavy and full of feeling.
4. Malkauns: Malkauns is quiet and bold and is also played during the night. It gives a still, subtle and thoughtful mood.
5. Bageshri: Bageshri is soft and sweet raga that brings out the emotion of love and longing. It is often played in the evening.
6. Desh: Desh is bright and joyful and is played at night. It brings out feelings of festivity and patriotism.

Top Artists and their Signature Ragas

Some artists are known for the way they perform certain ragas. Their music brings out and highlights the essence of raga. Whether you are just starting to explore Indian classical music or trying to understand Hindustani vs Carnatic ragas, these artists are a good place to begin.

Hindustani Ragas

Carnatic Ragas

Ragas in Contemporary Context

Ragas may be old, but they still fit into modern music. Artists now explore ragas in new styles, films, and even digital formats.

1. Fusion and World Music

   • Mixing with Western classical music: Some artists use ragas with Western instruments like the violin and piano resulting in a smooth, and rich form of music.
   • Ragas and jazz: Jazz and ragas both use a lot of improvisation. Together, they create music that is fresh and still rooted in tradition.
   • Modern fusion artists: Artists like Shankar Mahadevan, L. Subramaniam, and Rakesh Chaurasia mix ragas with other music styles. They keep classical music alive and exciting.

2. Bollywood and Popular Music

   • Use of ragas in films: Many film songs use ragas to build a melody or mood. Even if the song is not fully classical, the Raga adds feeling.
   • Famous songs from ragas: Some well-known songs are based on ragas. “Laal Ishq”, for example, is based on Raga Yaman. These songs bring ragas to a wider audience.
   • How raga use has changed: Initially in popular filmy music ragas were used more directly. However now, ragas are used in more subtle ways. The classical base is still there, but the sound feels more modern.

3. Digital Age Adaptations

   • Apps and learning tools: Today, apps help people learn ragas. They show how to sing or play notes and give practice help for beginners.
   • Online classes and concerts: With online platforms like YouTube and HCL Concerts, it is easy to watch and learn from great artists around the world.
   • New tech experiences: Some tools now use virtual reality or smart tech to share how ragas feel. These let you see and hear the mood of the music in new ways.

Conclusion

Indian classical music is more than just sound. It mixes emotion, time, and tradition. Ragas lie at the heart of this timeless tradition. They shape our emotions while listening to music. Whether it is Hindustani or Carnatic, each Raga holds a mood and a story. Some show the peace of morning while others reflect the silence of the night. Some express spring’s joy, while others show pain and longing. Ragas say what words often cannot.