What this music is
An introduction to raga, tala and learning through listening.
Melody and rhythm
A raga gives a performance its melodic identity: notes, movement, resting points and characteristic phrases. A tala provides a repeating rhythmic cycle. Explore Yaman and Teental to see how these ideas work.
Learning by listening
Teacher-to-student transmission is central to this music. Notation helps recall a melodic outline, but a heard rendition conveys the glides, oscillation, intonation and expressive timing that symbols only suggest.
Reading the library
Start with the Raga · Laya · Alap, browse ragas and talas, or use the glossary for a quick definition. The composition section introduces the available repertoire; lyrics and audio are shown only when present.