A Comparative Study of Selected Hindustani Ragas: Based on Contemporary Practice

The study of Raga forms is the backbone of Hindustani Raga Sangita. A Comparative Study of Raga-s, offers an up-to-date textbook like compilation on descriptions, forms, movements and spirit of various Raga-s. Out of the taxonomy of Hindustani repertoire, 74 Raga-s from 5 groups or "families" have been treated (i.e. Kalyana, Saranga, Bhairava, Gauri and Kanada) as well as 17 Raga-s pertaining to miscellaneous groups, thus bringing to 91 the number of Raga-s studied. Investigations have been mainly based on the study of the contemporary Hindi texts written by the most outstanding Indian scholars, on the analysis of sound recorded Raga-s and on the teachings of Dr. K.C. Gangrade (previous Dean & Head of Instrumental Music Dept., Faculty of Performing Arts, Banaras Hindu University). Detailed references have been given to facilitate consulting of the various scholars and artists. As there is a great lack of serious literature available in English language on this subject, the present study can greatly benefit non-Hindi speaking students and scholars of India and abroad who, because of a mere language difficulty, had difficulties acceding to the analytical world of Raga.