The Music and Musical Instruments of Southern India and the Deccan c9.55

c9.55

Thânas are studies for the vina, teaching special styles and difficulties met with in the performance of the various râgas. They are particularly intended as an introduction to the difficult movement called Madhyamakâla of a râga. Thânas are in no particular tâlas, the time being taught orally, and left in a great measure to the performer's discretion. Great attention is bestowed upon proper accentuation and grace; the tempo is usually very rapid—