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RAGAS
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| Ragas
are not simply abstract collections of swaras that occur together to
produce a tune. Each raga has a distinct image or
swaroopam and it is this which defines a raga. Arbitrary
selection of a set of swaras is unlikely to produce a distinct raga
swaroopam and this is the reason for attributing the foundations of
the raga system to nature. The ragas that we know
of are the products of centuries of experimentation. Each ragam has
associated with it a feeling
that it induces in the listener and the performer. Hours of
dedicated practice with a single raga (Saathakam) results in the
realization of the raga swaroopa on the part of the performer and this is
often referred to as obtaining a Dharshan of that particular
raga. The unfortunate consequence of this is that various performers have
slightly different mental concepts of a single raga and this is manifest in
their music. But the good part is that it adds a tremendous variety to
the music. This is also the reason why Carnatic music (performance) can never really be learnt from a
book but needs a Guru who can portray the raga swaroopam in such a manner that the pupil can pick it
up. From the viewpoint of the listener, a realization of the raga
swaroopam means that some of the qualities of the music can be anticipated and this contributes
greatly to listening pleasure. |
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