[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Architecture and art](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art) › [The Music and Musical Instruments of Southern India and the Deccan](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.day-1891) › c8.36 # The Music and Musical Instruments of Southern India and the Deccan c8.36 The Music and Musical Instruments of Southern India and the Deccan c8.36 - **Language:** English ### [c8.36](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.day-1891.c8.36) To convey in writing an adequate idea of what an alâpa consists is somewhat difficult; it is not exactly a song, the music not being set to any particular words; neither is it an air, for it is not confined in its rhythm. An alâpa may be said to be rather a kind of rhapsody, which abounds with grace and embellishments of all kinds, and is formed by an extension, according to the murchana, of the notes of the râga, in such a way that all the characteristics of that râga are prominently shown, and scope is given to the performer's power of improvising. - [Previous: c8.35](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.day-1891.c8.35) - [Next: c8.37](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.day-1891.c8.37) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.day-1891.c8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.day-1891.c8.36](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.day-1891.c8.36) · Pramāṇa