Relevance of Embellishments in the Indian Raga System

Traditionally the Indian raga-system is not only for entertainment purpose, but it also works as a tool to attain a particular mental state and its effects could be seen and felt in multiple ways. Embellishments are an important part in this process. In Indian classical music, these embellishments are used in different forms and in numerous ways, to project and enhance the rāga and to bring out the effect of any rāga to its fullest capacity.

To understand these various embellishments and their effects on compositions and rāga-s, we need to understand the basics of compositions, rāga-s, their basic relation and effect on each other; and then we can study how a good composition with all its characteristic embellishments and effects enhance and initiate the proper rendering of the rāga. This book is a humble effort to bring out and highlight the crucial relationship of these with the Indian Raga-system.

DR. DIVYA DAYAL is a trained classical music vocalist with a PHD in music. She has over 20 years of university teaching experience in India and abroad. Music being a performing art, and as a practicing musician she always had a keen interest in uncovering, studying and researching about the minute aspects of Indian Classical music which enhance the  effects of Indian music atall levels. Dr Divya has written many articles and papers related to Khyal/Thumri style of singing, voice-culture techniques, aesthetics and many more. Apart from teaching she is also a practitioner of alternative therapy and healing and also uses music as a tool to heal physical, mental, and emotional issues.