Fundamentals Of Raga:


RAGA


A Composition prepared by combination of Notes i.e. Swaras, Literature i.e. Poetry Form and Rhythm i.e. Tala is termed as Raga. Raga is a combination of notes governed by rules of formation in the ascent and execution. 

It gives spiritual happiness to the heart and mind. Aroha-Avaroha, Vadi-Samvadi ect. are included in it which are formed according to the Rules of Raga.

Rules of Raga


  Ø   Raga must be originated from Thaat.
  Ø  The combination of the notes must be pleasing to the ears.
  Ø  Raga must contain Aroha- Avaroha, Vadi-Samvadi, Jati and Time of performance.
  Ø  Raga must contain at least 5 (Five) Swaras.
  Ø  ‘Sa’ should not be eliminated from any Raga.
  Ø  'Ma' and/or 'Pa' must be present in Raga compulsorily.
  Ø  Two forms of same Swaras must not be present in Raga. According to some scholars, this is an exception.
            For example: In Raga Jog, both ‘Ma’(Shuddha and Tivra) are sung together.

There are approximately 500+ Ragas of which some are classified as Anwat (uncommon) and Aprachalit (unpublished). Around 150 Ragas are commonly sung and played in Indian Classical Music. Many Hindi Filmy Songs are based on different Ragas.



This was some basic information on ‘Raga’. There are specific Features of Raga which are  classified according to ancient and modern era. This will be included in my next Blog.

Pt. Bhimsen Joshi (Raga Yaman)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qcz2nAjGNvg
Live Performance in Ayodhya (1991) in the presence of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, 
Ustad Amin-Ud-Din Dagar & Others. 


Location: Vadodara, Gujarat, India

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