Context
Recently, the Vice President inaugurated MALHAR 2026 in New Delhi, a youth-centric celebration of Indian classical music. The event highlighted the Malhar family of ragas, traditionally associated with the monsoon, and the role of music in preserving India’s cultural heritage.
Explanation
- Indian classical music has two major traditions: Hindustani music of northern India and Carnatic music of southern India.
- A raga is a melodic framework based on a particular arrangement and treatment of musical notes, while tala provides the rhythmic framework.
- Malhar refers to a family of ragas traditionally associated with the monsoon and rains, particularly in the Hindustani tradition.
- Important variants include Miyan ki Malhar, Megh Malhar, Gaud Malhar and Sur Malhar.
- Miyan ki Malhar is traditionally associated with Miyan Tansen, the celebrated musician at Mughal Emperor Akbar’s court.
- Hindustani music developed important vocal forms such as Dhrupad, Khayal, Thumri and Tarana.
- Indian classical music is largely transmitted through the Guru-Shishya tradition and represents India’s intangible cultural heritage and cultural soft power.
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Malhar Ragas: Preserving India’s Musical Heritage