Explore the rich heritage of Hindustani classical music through ragas, instruments, legendary musicians, and traditional gharanas in one comprehensive platform.
The Science Behind Ragas and Emotions: How Indian Classical Music Influences the Mind
Indian classical music is deeply connected to human emotions. Each raag is designed to evoke a specific mood or feeling — known as "Rasa". But how does this actually work? It looks at how sound frequencies, note combinations, and time of performance affect the listener’s brainwaves, hormones, and emotional state. Studies in music psychology and neuroscience are also referenced to understand how certain raags induce calmness, joy, sadness, or devotion. Whether you're a student of music or just curious about how sound affects the brain, this blog breaks it down simply and beautifully.
Introduction to Ragas and Rasa Theory
How Sound Affects the Brain (Basics of Music Neuroscience)
Scientific Studies Linking Music and Emotions
Examples of Ragas and Their Emotional Effects
Raag Bhairavi – Devotion & Peace
Raag Darbari – Seriousness & Gravity
Raag Yaman – Joy & Romance
Raag Malkauns – Meditation & Mystery
The Role of Time and Season in Raga Performance
Why This Matters: Applications in Therapy, Meditation, and Wellbeing
Conclusion: The Merging of Science and Spirituality in Music
How Indian Classical Music is Taught: The Guru-Shishya Parampara
The Guru-Shishya Parampara (गुरु-शिष्य परंपरा) is the ancient and traditional method of teaching in Indian classical music. It is a deeply spiritual and personal bond between the guru (teacher) and shishya (student).
This method goes beyond just learning notes and techniques—it’s about transmitting the soul of the music, its discipline, emotion, culture, and devotion from one generation to another.
Live-in Learning (Gurukul system)
Traditionally, the student would live with or near the guru, observing and absorbing music through daily interaction, practice, and observation.
Oral Tradition (Shruti Parampara)
Music was taught by ear, not from books. The guru would sing or play, and the disciple would repeat until it was mastered.
Personalized Training
Every student’s learning path is tailored by the guru based on their voice, personality, and level of understanding.
Rigorous Riyaz (Practice)
The guru instills in the student the habit of daily disciplined practice, often starting with hours of basic notes (Swar Sadhana).
Learning Through Observation
Students learn not just through instruction, but by listening to the guru perform, watching their body language, and absorbing their musical expression.
Spiritual & Moral Discipline
Respect, humility, patience, and dedication are key values taught alongside music. The relationship is considered sacred.
No Fixed Curriculum or Timeframe
There are no set “syllabi” or exams. Learning continues until the guru feels the student is ready.
Today, while the traditional form still exists among serious students, the system has adapted in the following ways:
Online classes and workshops
Music academies and institutions now offer structured courses
Short-term mentorships or Guru-in-residence programs
Recordings are now used as memory aids, though oral transmission is still vital
Yet, the essence of personal bonding, devotion, and respect remains at the core.
The Guru-Shishya Parampara ensures that:
The art form is preserved authentically
Each student absorbs not only music, but values
The individual style (Gharana) of a guru continues through the student
“The Guru does not just teach you what to sing, but how to become music.”
– A saying among classical musicians
What Is Indian Classical Music?
Indian classical music, known as Shastriya Sangeet, is one of the oldest musical traditions in the world, Includes two main traditions.
Hindustani Music: Originating in North India, this style emphasizes improvisation and exploration of ragas (melodic frameworks) and talas (rhythmic cycles).
Carnatic Music: Predominant in South India, it is more composition-based, with a strong focus on vocal performance and complex rhythmic patterns.
Both traditions share foundational concepts but have distinct styles and repertoires. Indian classical music is also a spiritual and emotional journey. It helps people connect with their inner self and feelings.
A raga is a group of notes that creates a mood or feeling. Each raga is meant to be played at a certain time of day or season.
Tala is the beat or rhythm cycle. Common talas are:
Teental (16 beats)
Kahewa (8 beats)
Dadra (6 beats)
There are 7 basic notes:
Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni
These are the small sound differences between notes that give Indian music its unique style.
Artists often make up music while performing, within the rules of the raga and tala.
Learn the Notes (Swaras)
Start by singing the 7 basic notes.
Start with Easy Ragas
Like Yaman or Bhairav.
Practice Rhythms (Talas)
Clap along to simple beat cycles.
Do Regular Practice (Riyaz)
Daily practice helps improve your skills.
Listen to Great Artists
Hearing good music helps you learn style and emotion.
Take Guidance
Join classes or find a teacher (Guru).