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Indian classical music, is based on ragas — melodic frameworks that evoke specific moods and emotions. For beginners, it's essential to start with ragas that are simple, melodious, and widely taught. Here's a list of 10 beginner-friendly ragas every aspiring student should get familiar with.

1. Raag Yaman (Hindustani)

• Thaat: Kalyan

• Notes: Shamurna (7-note scale)

• Mood: Romantic, Devotional

• A very popular and graceful raga taught early in music education, using the Teevra Ma (sharp Ma).

2. Raag Bhupali

• Thaat: Kalyan

• Notes: Audav (5-note scale) (no Ma and Ni)

• Mood: Peaceful, devotional

• Easy to learn and used in both classical and light music.

3. Raag Durga

• Thaat: Bilawal

• Notes: Audav (5-note scale) (no Ga and Ni)

• Mood: Calm, pure

• A pentatonic scale, often used to introduce swara clarity and simplicity.

4. Raag Desh

• Thaat: Khamaj

• Time: Monsoon, Night

• Mood: Joyful, Romantic

• Popular in patriotic songs and bhajans, this raga is vibrant and lyrical.

5. Raag Kafi

• Thaat: Kafi

• Time: Spring, Evening

• Mood: Earthy, Playful

• Helps students explore semi-classical genres like thumri and dadra.

6. Raag Bageshree

• Thaat: Kafi

• Time: Late Night

• Mood: Longing, Devotion

• Introduces emotional expression and deeper alap improvisation.

7. Raag Bhairav

• Thaat: Bhairav

• Time: Early Morning

• Mood: Meditative, Sacred

• With its distinct Komal Re and Komal Dha, it builds understanding of mood and intonation from the start.

8. Raag Brindavani Sarang

• Thaat: Kafi

• Time: Noon

• Mood: Devotional, Bright

• A popular midday raga, easy to learn with appealing melodic movements.

9. Raag Alhaiya Bilawal

• Thaat: Bilawal

• Mood: Cheerful, Bright

• Simplified version of Raag Bilawal with a distinct and beginner-friendly character.

10. Raag Malkauns

• Thaat: Bhairavi (for classification)

• Notes: Audav

• Mood: Serious, Meditative

• Though slightly advanced, its pentatonic scale and majestic sound make it unforgettable.

Why These Ragas Matter

Learning these foundational ragas:

• Builds swar gyan (note recognition)

• Develops aesthetic sense (rasa bhavana)

• Trains the ear for intonation and improvisation

These 10 ragas form the building blocks for deeper exploration in Indian classical music. Whether you're a student, teacher, or enthusiast, mastering them will give you a strong musical foundation and open the doors to many expressive possibilities.