Word

Raga , music

Sanskrit

राग

IAST

rāga

In General

Raga means that which gives pleasure to the mind. In music Raga is a tune generated by proper combination of sapthasvara or seven fundamental notes. According to Bharatamuni there are six major ragas. Namely, Malava , indra , Mallara , Sriraga , vasantha and hindola . Each of these ragas has six feminine associates called raginis thus taking their number to thirty six.

Sometimes, depending upon the sentiments produced, the ragas are also classified as pumragas (male), striraga (female) and napumsakaraga (neutral). The pumraga produce the sentiments of heroism and wonder; the striraga, of amour and humer; the napumsakaragas of peace and fear.