Ragas and Raginis: A Pictorial and Iconographic Study of Indian Musical Modes Based on Original Sources c7.19

c7.19

were ancient martial tribes (*āyudhaj-jīvī-saṃghas*), mentioned by Patañjali, and who were formerly settled in the Punjab where they offered resistance to Alexander, and latterly settled in the North-west part of Central India, to which they gave the name the Mālwā.¹ The Andhras, a Dravidian sect, played a more important part in the political and cultural history of India, and founded ruling dynasties occupying various parts of Central, Eastern, and Southern India at different periods.² Similarly the Gurjara clans, probably foreign immigrants associated with the White Huns, formerly settled near Mount Abu, and, later, occupying the peninsula known as Guzerat,—played important parts in developing Indian culture and religious history. They are also associated with an important ruling dynasty known as the Gurjjara-pratihāra dynasty.³ The aboriginal races of India appear to have contributed many shining and colourful threads to the rich and variegated texture of Indian musical tapestry.