A public learning guide for Hindustani music

This project is designed as a structured, searchable reference for raag and taal discovery. It is intended for learners, curious listeners, and anyone who wants a clearer way to browse core Hindustani concepts online.

What this site emphasizes

The focus is on structured reference material: thaat, mood, time theory, aaroh, avroh, pakad, swaras, listening references, and clear public taal pages.

The site does not treat one notation line or one pedagogical explanation as universal. Raag identity often depends on phrase treatment, emphasis, and lineage-specific understanding.

Important caveats

Interpretations can vary by gharana, performer, source, and level of analysis. The site uses qualified language where variation is common.

Bollywood song mappings are included as listening bridges rather than strict proof of musicological identity. Those associations may vary by source and interpretation.

Glossary

Raag: A melodic framework shaped by characteristic note material, phrase behavior, emphasis, and aesthetic identity.
Taal: A rhythmic cycle defined by matras, vibhag structure, and recurring accents or claps.
Thaat: A parent scalar family used as a broad classificatory device for many raags.
Aaroh: The ascending movement or ascent pattern associated with a raag.
Avroh: The descending movement or descent pattern associated with a raag.
Pakad: A characteristic phrase or phrase cluster often used to signal the raag's identity.
Vadi: A prominently emphasized swara often treated as a key point of repose or importance.
Samvadi: A secondary important swara often discussed in relation to the vadi.
Jati: A classification of raag by the number of swaras used in aaroh and avroh, such as Sampurna, Shadav, or Audav.
Matra: A beat unit within a taal cycle.
Vibhag: A sectional grouping of beats inside a taal.
Theka: The canonical bol pattern used to articulate a taal on percussion.