Is the time-raga theory still relevant and should it be adhered to when Hindustani classical music can be accessed any time on the Internet? Raja has authored many articles and books, including Hindustani Music: A Tradition in Transition, Khayal Vocalism: Continuity with Change and The Musician and His Art: Essays on Hindustani Music. This reality will remain operative as long as Hindustani music remains an improvisation-dominant tradition, impossible to transmit without a substantial dependence on the aural experience.” Unlike Western music, Hindustani, and also Carnatic, music is not written, it has to be learnt from the guru. This change has also prompted him to have a second look at the time-raga theory, which is specific to Hindustani classical music. The uneasiness with the time-raga theory as well as its violation are quite visible in the world of Hindustani music these days.

Source: The Hindu July 26, 2021 13:07 UTC