Author - Vaibhav K

Have you heard the story of Tansen, the legendary classical singer and one of the Navratnas in the royal court of Badshah Akbar? The story goes like this. Jealous of the growing fondness of Akbar for the singing of Tansen, other court members hatched a conspiracy against the singer. Tansen was asked to sing Raag Deepak in the court. The assumption was that the Raag when sung by Tansen will invoke fire and burn the maestro himself. Accordingly, they convinced the king to ask Tansen to sing raag Deepak. Tansen was aware of the consequences but couldn’t say no to the emperor. He asked for some time to prepare himself for the performance. During this time, he trained his daughter and her friend to sing raag Megh Malhar. On the day of the event as Tansen started singing raag Deepak, the temperature in the court began to rise. Soon all the lamps in the area lit up, a fire broke out around Tansen and started to engulf him. At that very moment, Tansen’s daughter and her friend began to sing raag Megh Malhar and rains started pouring which extinguished the fire. Thus, Tansen’s life was saved. Symbolic or true, the story illustrates the power of raags to change the atmosphere dramatically. Scientists have also confirmed the ability of raags to impact mood and emotions.

Raag is one of the key components and characteristics of Indian Classical Music. Raag is a Sanskrit word meaning colour, dye.  In Music, the word represents a combination of musical notes (Swaras) used to express a feeling. As each colour is unique so is each raag. Every raag has its own unique nature that invokes specific feelings, therefore, different raags are associated with different times of the day, night and season. Though raag is formed of notes, it is not a random combination of notes. There are certain rules about the formation of raags and they must be followed by an artist while singing a particular raag.

Indian classical music has 7 Shuddha Swaras - Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni, also called Sargam.  A raag is a set of some of these swaras arranged in ascending and descending order. The ascending order is called Aaroha while the descending order is called Avaroha. Each raag must have minimum 5 swaras and maximum 9 swaras in Aaroha and Avroha. Depending on the type (Jaati) of a raag, it can have the same number of swaras or different combinations of swaras. While singing a raag, an artist must not use a swara beyond these sets.

Looking at the strict rules about the formation of raags, one might think that there must be very a limited number of raags. However, this is not the case. Though a raag is formed of swaras, it is not a forging of plain swaras. A raag also has a Chalan, the way in which the swaras are sung. In a raag, different swaras are pronounced (or not pronounced) in a different manner and with different levels of emphasis. Moreover, the transition from one swara to another, the subtle impression of other swaras on primary swaras also bring in a lot of variety in the raags. There could be so many permutations and combinations of swaras and each of them can form a raag. Therefore, two raags that have the same number of swaras in Aaroha and Avroha can differ hugely depending on their Chalan.

The exact number of raags in Indian Classical Music is not known. Some raags are created by eminent artists, e.g. Raag Todi, Multani, Darbari Kanada etc. are said to be formed by Tansen. Raag Nat Narayan is created by Pandit Jasraj. However, there are so many raags that all these music maestros have been singing for a long time and no one knows who created them! Raags are in existence from a very ancient time. The study of raags, their subtilities and their unique characteristics is very interesting, the more one learns about them, the more one falls in love with Indian Classical Music.

Learning about raags is a prerequisite for learning Indian Classical Music. And one of the ideal places to do so is MAHAGAMI GURUKUL, Aurangabad. Established in 1996 with an aim to promote Indian Classical Arts and facilitate research activities in the marginalized Marathwada region of Maharashtra, MAHAGAMI (Mahatma Gandhi Mission Sangeet Academy, Aurangabad), trains students in music, dance, Indology, Sanskrit, art appreciation and other subjects associated with Indian Classical Arts. MAHAGAMI is the first arts organization in the world to be awarded an ISO certificate. It is also a member of the International Dance Council, UNESCO.

MAHAGAMI offers training in Music which also includes the study of raags through different programs, some of which are listed below:

Master of Arts in Musicology

MA. in Musicology at MAHAGAMI is a unique opportunity to learn about different types of music, music theories, history and origins including raags and their distinct characteristics. The 2-year program provides a sound foundation for the learner to build a career in the creative space. In addition to theory and practice of different forms of music, many generic subjects like Epigraphy, Ancient languages, Treatises, Technology, Music in other forms, Indology, Ancient History and elective subjects like western music, recording, music laws, music writing are also taught to the students in this program.

For more information about M.A. in Musicology at MAAHGAMI,

please visit: https://mgmu.ac.in/admissions/faculty/MAHAGAMI.html/

Diploma in Dhrupad Music:

Kalā Udayan Dhrupad | कला उदयन ध्रुपद is a 2-year part-time diploma program at MAHAGAMI in Dhrupad, a style of Indian Classical Music. The program helps the learner develop a good understanding of Dhrupad tradition and its technical aspects. The learner is encouraged to understand the Dhrupad philosophy and create short music pieces based on the training given during the program.

For more information about Diploma in Dhrupad Music program at Mahagami,

please visit: https://mgmu.ac.in/admissions/faculty/MAHAGAMI.html

Certificate in Music:

Kalā Ādhār | कला आधार is a 2-year part-time certificate program in music at MAHAGAMI. It is ideal for those who are interested in learning about Indian Classical music including Dhrupad tradition. The learner is introduced to history, heritage and fundamental concepts of Indian Classical music.  They are also trained to understand the salient features of Dhrupad music and recognize the rendition in vocal and instrumental music.

For more information about Certificate in Music program at Mahagami,

please visit: https://mgmu.ac.in/admissions/faculty/MAHAGAMI.html

Learning at MAHAGAMI is a life-enriching experience in itself. The serene ambiance of the institution, the natural surroundings, learning under the ancient Guru-Shishya Parampara under the noble guidance of Parwati Dutta, an internationally acclaimed artiste of Kathak and Odissi, Guru and Founder-Director of MAHAGAMI, makes it sought after place for the learner of Indian Classical Arts.

To know more about MAHAGAMI GURUKUL, please visit: https://www.mahagami.com

We all know that music can raise our mood, make us feel calm, or excite our feelings. One of the most powerful tools to influence every living thing, music is simply magic! Music has a long history of human association. But did you know which is the oldest form of Indian classical music? It is Dhrupad. Discussed in the most ancient text on Indian performing arts Natyashastra (200 BCE – 200 CE), Dhrupad has been declared a heritage art by UNESCO. Even before Natyashatra – Dhrupad traces its origin from Vedas. Most interestingly, Dhrupad has survived millennia to retain its original form even today!

Dhrupad is a combination of two words, Dhruva meaning immovable or the pole star and Pada meaning verse. It refers to both a form of poetry and a style of music in which the poetry is sung. The purpose of Dhrupad is not to entertain but to enlighten. It provides peace of mind and evokes the consciousness of the listener. It is believed that Dhrupad was initially performed in Indian temples before the deity, which gradually achieved a perfect form by the eleventh century. Later it shifted to the royal courts to come under the patronage of various kings and Maharajas of that time. The legendary Tansen sang Dhrupad compositions in the Royal Court of Badshah Akbar. From there, the influence of Dhrupad spread across the length and breadth of India. However, with the decline of the Mughal Empire, patronage to Dhrupad also started to decline and another genre of classical music, Khayal started taking over it. Having said this, Dhrupad was still very much alive and an integral part of the Indian Classical Music training. In the 1960s eminent vocalists, Nasir Aminuddin and Nasir Moinuddin Dagar revived Dhrupad through their unflinching commitment and incessant efforts and a flow of new talent from India and abroad started to enrich the music genre again.

Today, we see a few artists around the world who have given a new lease of life to Dhrupad. One prominent name among them is Parwati Dutta, an acclaimed artist, and Guru of Kathak and Odissi and Director of MAHAGAMI GURUKUL. Through her in-depth research on kathak, Dutta found that a symbiotic relationship between Gayan-Vadan-Nritya flourished in the form of Dhrupad Nritya during the reign of Mansingh Tomar in the 15^th century. Inspired by the concept, she developed a research-based, innovative combination of dance and music called ‘Dhrupadangi Kathak’. She has been performing these Kathak compositions in the Dhrupad tradition since 1990.

If you too want to learn Dhrupad music, the mother of all Indian classical music forms then, a great place for you is MAHAGAMI GURUKUL.

MAHAGAMI GURUKUL– MAHAGAMI (Mahatma Gandhi Mission Sangeet Academy), Aurangabad is the first art organization in the world to be awarded an ISO certificate and the first institute from Maharashtra state to be a member of the International Dance Council, UNESCO. At MAHAGAMI, students learn Indian classical arts in the ancient tradition of Guru-Shishya Parampara. With a very limited number of students in each program, each student gets individual attention and guidance from Guru Parwati Dutta.

Diploma in Dhrupad Music:

Kalā Udayan Dhrupad | कला उदयन ध्रुपद is a 2-year part-time diploma program at MAHAGAMI and is ideal for students and young musicians. The program helps the learner develop a good understanding of Dhrupad tradition and its technical aspects. The learner is encouraged to understand the Dhrupad philosophy and create short music pieces based on the training during the program. She is also offered internships and projects with a range of arts organizations, companies, schools and colleges.

For more information about Diploma in Dhrupad Music program at MAHAGAMI,

please visit: https://mgmu.ac.in/admissions/faculty/MAHAGAMI.html

Certificate in Music:

Kalā Ādhār | कला आधार is a 2-year part-time certificate program in music at MAHAGAMI. It is ideal for those who are interested in learning Indian music including the Dhrupad tradition. The learner is introduced to the history, heritage, and fundamental concepts of Indian music. They are also trained to understand the salient features of Dhrupad music and recognize the rendition in vocal and instrumental music.

For more information about the Certificate in the Music program at MAHAGAMI,

please visit: https://mgmu.ac.in/admissions/faculty/MAHAGAMI.html/

If classical music delights you, enchants you, enthralls you, then join MAHAGAMI to find the soundtrack of your life.

To know more about MAHAGAMI GURUKUL, please visit: https://www.mahagami.com

A new study (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/sms.13336) published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports found that the women who danced frequently had 73% lower chance of becoming disabled during the study period compared to the women who did not, none other exercises including walking and yoga showed such a strong association. Another study (https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jgs.15714) published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that dancing could improve aging adults’ cognitive function. Plenty of past research has also shown how dancing benefits mental and physical health.

Along with all these benefits, if you also want dance to give you an identity in society, true peace of mind and above all unconditional happiness, you can learn Indian Classical Dance.

Transcend your body: Art is a tool to express what is inexpressible through words. As a practitioner of classical dance, you constantly strive to go beyond words and in the process, come closer to yourself. Classical dance is meditation in movement, it helps you to achieve the ‘Sakshi Bhava’ (Witness attitude) towards your body and unite with the universe.

Broaden your vision: Indian Classical Dance is also one of the most creative arts. When an artist performs a dance, she not only exhibits an art but also narrates a story, paints a picture, expresses an idea, shares a vision, feelings and much more through each of her actions and inactions. Learning classical dance nurtures your imagination, broadens your vision and sparkles your creativity.

Heal yourself: Sometimes, the deepest wounds are not visible to the naked eyes. The scars and injuries on our psychological self are hard to heal but thanks to modern research, it is now a well-established fact that in addition to providing a host of other psychological benefits, dancing helps overcome mental trauma. Many hospitals and medical settings are now using dance as a form of therapy. Studies have also found that dancing increases endorphins, a type of chemical messengers in the body (neurotransmitters) which are known to relieve pain and stress.

Master the mathematics through art: It is a popular myth that those who choose art are not good at maths and science. In fact, mathematics and Indian Classical Dance are closely intertwined. The shapes and patterns of Geometry are carefully crafted for each movement and the intricate algorithms are embedded into the entire performance of dance. Interestingly, there is a school in Australia where students learn math through dance movement.

Be truly free: Indian classical dance instills the value of discipline, determination and hard work in its disciple. A passionate artiste of classical dance finds time and does her ‘Riyaz’ (practice) on a regular basis. The discipline acquired through the practice also spreads across other aspects of life and leads to real freedom.

Achieve holistic development: Indian Classical Dance improves coordination between the brain and the body. It trains you to gain control over your mind, feelings and different parts of your body. If you think you already have it, try using your left and right hands for different activities at the same time.

Be unconditionally happy: The journey towards pursuing your passion is joyful. This joy isn’t dependent on any outside achievement, it comes from within and hence, is more stable and lasting. The lifetime ‘Sadhana’ of Indian Classical Dance could be one such journey for you to attain unconditional happiness.

After reading all these benefits of  Indian Classical dance, if you are wondering where you can learn it, here is a great place - Mahagami Gurukul.

MAHAGAMI Gurukul –MAHAGAMI (Mahatma Gandhi Mission Sangeet Academy), Aurangabad is the first art organization in the world to be awarded ISO certificate and the only institute from Maharashtra state to be a member of the International Dance Council, UNESCO. It was established in 1996 with an aim to promote Indian Classical Dance and facilitate research activities in the marginalized Marathwada region of Maharashtra.

The one-of-its-kind institute, Mahagami offers intensive training in classical dance through the ancient Gurukul culture of the Guru-Shishya Parampara. It has trained over 2000 students in Kathak and Odissi, many of whom have now transformed into artists performing across India and abroad. In addition, it has also produced a number of scholars, researchers and academicians of Indian Classical Dance.

A rare privilege, students of Mahagami learn under the tutelage of Parwati Dutta, an internationally acclaimed artiste of Kathak and Odissi, Guru and Director of Mahagami. The limited number of students in each program allows a very close relationship between the teacher and the learner and personalized attention to each of them.

Mahagami Provides training in the following dance forms:

Kathak:

Originated as a story-telling dance of mythological anecdotes, the classical dance form of Kathak allows you to convey complex and abstract ideas through the movement of the body, gestures (Hasta Mudras), expressions (Bhav) and acting (Abhinaya). Its fast footwork (Tatkar) and spins (Chakkar) relieve you from anger and stress. Kathak is an ancient art form that empowers you with an innovative way of communication.

Odissi:

Known as the dance of devotion (Bhakti), Odissi is one of the most graceful and lyrical classical dances of India. It is also claimed to be the most ancient Indian classical dance with mentions found in the Natyashastra, the first theoretical text on performing arts in India. It is composed of a rich variety of poses and movements of the body found in the ancient Indian temples.

Manipuri:

A classical dance form from the Manipur state of India, Manipuri dance is exclusively devoted to the Hindu deities Radha and Krishna. It is characterized by smooth gestures, rounded movements, and light steps. However, behind this delicate dance lies a tough training of body and mind control. Manipuri gives a graceful appearance and peace of mind to its practitioner.

MPA in Kathak and Odissi at Mahagami:

Master of Performing Arts in Kathak and Odissi is a 3-year program at Mahagami ideal for professional dancers and senior dance learners aspiring to create a niche for themselves in the creative world. After completing MPA, they can pursue a career as a performing artist, choreographer, dance teacher, event organizer, dance writer, etc.

For more information about MPA in Kathak & Odissi at MAHAGAMI,

please visit: https://mgmu.ac.in/admissions/faculty/MAHAGAMI.html/

BPA in Kathak and BPA in Odissi at Mahagami:

Bachelor of Performing Arts Kathak and Odissi is a 4-year program for those seeking to make a career in performing arts. Along with rigorous training in the chosen dance form, learners are also taught in a wide variety of generic and elective subjects which create a strong foundation for their bright future in performing arts.

For more information about BPA in Kathak & Odissi at MAHAGAMI,

please visit: https://mgmu.ac.in/admissions/faculty/MAHAGAMI.html

Certificate program in Kathak, Odissi, and Manipuri at Mahagami:

The foundation certificate program in each of these dance forms is of a 2-year duration and is suitable for part-time learners and adult beginners. The program helps learners develop a physical and conceptual understanding of the dance form.

For more information about the Certificate in Kathak, Odissi & Manipuri  at MAHAGAMI,

please visit: https://mgmu.ac.in/admissions/faculty/MAHAGAMI.html

Learning classical dance at Mahagami Gurukul is a life-enriching experience that allows your talents to blossom through careful nurturance by a dedicated Guru.

So, what are you waiting for? Join Mahagami and immerse yourself in the love of classical dance.

To Know more about MAHAGAMI GURUKUL, please visit: https://www.mahagami.com/