Well, we understand that you are here to know some interesting facts about Indian Classical Music, but before that, we have some important pieces of information for you. It would not fair if we directly jump into the types of ragas so let us dig some more.
I will make your reading very easy and understandable. So, I would like to discuss everything in some clear bullet points.
What is Raga?
Before anything else, one must know what a Raga is. Let us begin to understand that first. In very simple words, Raga is a derivation from scales. An octave has 12 notes. A scale is a melodic topic made by picking a particular arrangement of notes from inside these 12 notes. Consider the 12 notes in an octave of 12 unique tones. If you choose some of those notes to form endless other music, then it can be defined as a Raga.
But individually, all those notes have some individual qualities which are maintained throughout, yet, they would be too unique to stand unique. Ragas are generally classified into two types:
- Ragas by Structure.
- Ragas by Scale.
Types of Ragas
There are different types of Raga in classical music, but you will have to know some of the basic ragas. It is very important that you at least know the basic types of ragas, here we will discuss them in detail.
Raag Bhairav: Raag Bhairav is a morning raga which is why it is mainly rehearsed in the morning. The Raga is very peaceful and solemn and the morning sets the ideal mood for the rehearsal. The mood of the Raga is grave and suggests some seriousness. It has a traditional, devotional and introversion attitude towards the aura of the set or ambience setting.
Raag Malkauns: This Raga is sung during small hours throughout the morning, the morning just after midnight. The natural effect of this Raga is very soothing and intoxicating to the mind. There is a mythical history to this Raag, and it is said that Devi Parvati created this Raag to calm down Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was outraged after doing “Tandav” and he was not calming down. Devi Parvati used this Raag to calm him.
Raag Deepak: This is an evening raga. It is assumed or believed that this Raga is powerful enough to create fire. Tansen used to form this Raga by singing at the court of Emperor Akbar. Hence, Raag Deepak has a lot of importance in Indian Classical Music.
Raag Shri: Shri is an important evening Raag, sung during the sunset. It is full of majesty and grace and creates a mood of devotion and dedication. The devotion can be explained through the acceptance and the beautiful rehearse of the Raag Shri.
Conclusion
The unique thing about the ragas of Indian Classical music is that each of the ragas is based on any time of the day. There are various time zones which means that ragas have various times such as morning, afternoon, evening, night and anytime.