Ragas and Raginis: A Pictorial and Iconographic Study of Indian Musical Modes Based on Original Sources c6.178

c6.178

The rāgas current in the North about the middle of the fourteenth century, can be gleaned from the well-known Sanskrit anthology, already referred to, Śārṅgadhara-paddhati. It was composed in the year 1363 A.D. In chapter 81, under the heading 'gāndharva śāstram' (verses 1942-2081), the author summarises the current musical data¹: He gives a list of 36 generic (pravarataka) rāgas, on the basis of the Rāgārnava.¹ We have already cited these rāgas, (ante p. 19). After reciting the 36 rāgas, the author states that there are various melodies prevailing in particular localities or areas such as Mārū etc. which are regarded as local melodies. So that the enumeration of Śārṅgadhara is not at all exhaustive. In fact he says that 'there is no end of 'rāgas' or 'tālas', they are to be sung by the learned for the pleasure of Śiva.'²