The North Indian music is popularly known as Hindustani
music.
The Hindustani Music is based on the raga system. The combination of several notes woven
into a composition in a way pleasing to the ear is called a Raga. A raga is a melodical
scale consisting of notes from the basic seven known as, "sa re ga ma pa dha
ni". Apart form sa and pa which are constant, the notes may be in major or minor tone
and this gives rise to immoveable combinations.
Each raga creates an atmosphere which is associated with feelings and sentiments. Any
stray combinations of notes cannot be called a Raga.
Raga is neither a scale nor a mode. It is, however, a scientific, precise, subtle and
aesthetic melodic form with its own peculiar ascending and descending movement which
consist of either a full octave or a series of six or five notes.
Ragas is the basis of classical music. A raga is based on the principle of a combination
of notes selected out the 22 not intervals of the octave. A performer with sufficient
training and knowledge alone can create the desired emotions through the combination of
shrutis and notes.
Raga has its own principal mood such as tranquility, devotion, eroticism, loneliness,
pathos and heroism. A great artist can communicate and instill in his listener the mood of
the Raga.
Depending on the notes included, each raga acquires a distinct character. The form of the
raga is also determined by the particular pattern of ascent and descent of notes.
The following points are required in construction of a Raga.
1. Sequence of notes or Thaats.
2. Classification or Jaatis
3. "King" and "Queen" relation of notes that is Vadi and Samvadi
4. Ascent and Descent of rag that is Aroha and Avaroha.
5. Important cluster of notes.
6. Pitch
7. Speed : Fast, Medium, Slow that is Drut, Madhya, Vilabhit
Khyal and Dhrupad are two major types of composition within Hindustani Genre. Dhrupad is
an elder form and requires rigorous training in rhythm control as well as voice culture.
Khyal contains both slow and lively compositions.
