How Many Ragas Are There in Indian Classical Music?

 

Indian classical music is one of the richest musical traditions in the world, dating back thousands of years. At its core is the concept of the Raga, a melodic framework that serves as a foundation for improvisation and composition. While many are aware of the beauty and depth of ragas, one of the most intriguing aspects is their sheer diversity. But how many ragas are there in Indian classical music?

Let’s explore the world of ragas, their significance, classification, and the approximate number of ragas that exist today.

What is a Raga?

A raga is not merely a scale or a melody but a framework that evokes specific emotions, moods, and expressions. Each raga consists of a set of notes (called swaras) arranged in a particular pattern. However, it’s not just about the notes; the way these notes are played, their ascent (aroha), descent (avaroha), and characteristic phrases (pakad), all contribute to the raga’s identity.

A raga is designed to be more than just a collection of notes—it expresses a certain feeling or mood (known as rasa), which could range from happiness, sorrow, devotion, love, to various other emotions.

Classification of Ragas

The diversity of ragas comes from the way they are classified and structured. Indian classical music is divided into two major traditions: Hindustani Classical Music (predominantly in North India) and Carnatic Classical Music (predominantly in South India). Each of these systems has its own set of ragas and classification methods.

1. Hindustani Classical Ragas

In Hindustani classical music, ragas are usually classified based on the thaats system, introduced by Pandit Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande. There are 10 thaats, each serving as a parent scale from which several ragas are derived. These thaats include:

• Bilawal
• Kafi
• Kalyan
• Khamaj
• Bhairav
• Marwa
• Asavari
• Bhairavi
• Todi
• Purvi

Each thaat is the foundation of several ragas, and many ragas overlap between thaats, with slight variations.

2. Carnatic Classical Ragas

In Carnatic music, ragas are classified based on the Melakarta system. The Melakarta system consists of 72 parent scales or melas, each capable of producing a variety of derivative ragas. The Carnatic system is more rigid and organized than the Hindustani system, with each mela being fully defined by its ascending and descending notes.

The Number of Ragas: A Dynamic Range

The question of "how many ragas are there?" does not have a straightforward answer. The number of known and practiced ragas varies, and there are ragas that have been lost to time or that are rarely performed today. However, an estimation based on different sources can provide a general range:

1. Hindustani Classical Music

Hindustani music has a vast repertoire of ragas. Historically, musicians would create new ragas by combining the notes and phrases of existing ragas. This practice, known as jod ragas (combination ragas), has significantly expanded the raga inventory.

• It is estimated that there are around 200 to 300 well-known ragas actively performed in Hindustani classical music today.
• However, counting the numerous lesser-known and less-frequently performed ragas, this number could extend to 500 or more.

2. Carnatic Classical Music

Carnatic music, due to its more structured classification system, has a more defined number of ragas.

• With the 72 Melakarta ragas, each capable of generating several derivative ragas, the number of ragas in Carnatic music is vast.
• Estimates suggest there are over 500 to 1,000 ragas actively used in performances and compositions, with more than 2,000 documented ragas overall.

3. Across Both Systems

While there are common ragas that exist in both Hindustani and Carnatic systems, such as Yaman (Hindustani) and Kalyani (Carnatic), the total number of unique ragas across both traditions can be challenging to determine. Including ragas from both traditions, and counting those that have historical significance but are less performed today, the number could exceed 2,000 to 3,000 ragas.

The Evolving Nature of Ragas

Ragas are not static; they evolve over time. Many ragas have been adapted or modified by musicians based on the context in which they are performed, the preferences of the audience, or the personal style of the performer. New ragas are sometimes created, continuing the tradition of innovation within the classical music system.

Contemporary music, film scores, and fusion music have also led to the development of new ragas or the use of ragas in innovative ways. This adds another layer of complexity to the count, as these new interpretations often blur the lines between traditional and modern forms.

Conclusion

While an exact count may be elusive, it is clear that the number of ragas in Indian classical music is vast and diverse. Whether it’s the structured framework of the Carnatic system or the more flexible approach of Hindustani music, ragas continue to be a source of inspiration for musicians across generations.

At RAAHEIN Gharana, we celebrate this incredible diversity of ragas and provide a platform for musicians to showcase their talent. By keeping the spirit of these ragas alive, we contribute to the preservation, evolution, and growth of Indian classical music. Ragas are not just melodies but living expressions of human emotions and traditions, and they will continue to thrive as long as musicians continue to explore, improvise, and innovate.

Call to Action

For musicians and enthusiasts, RAAHEIN Gharana offers a space to learn, explore, and perform a variety of ragas. Whether you are a budding artist or an experienced performer, join our community to keep the tradition of Indian classical music alive and thriving.