Abstract

Indian ragas possess long evolutionary tradition over centenaries with wide spectrum of varieties and rich heritage. But it has become conservative to the commons due to significant restrictions on it for avoiding dilution. The grammar of tunes is elaborate and tough, that reduces the focus of lyric and rhythm. Traditionally, rain / monsoon ragas were created through ages with specific tunes, pattern and depicting them through lyrics of preconceived themes. Rabindranath Tagore came out from this orthodox system and applied various non-rain ragas in his rain-compositions. Among 115 rain-songs of his own composition, 79 songs were tuned with such non-traditional ragas in a careful way to make balance among the tune, lyric and rhythm. He modified ragas, reduced or exaggerated the impact of a certain tune, which made a wonderful balance, as said by the researchers. This article reviews the rain songs composed by Tagore, its evolutionary measures in application of non-rain ragas. It also critically analyses the methods of modification of the tunes in traditional ragas in accordance with the lyric and rhythm. The authors further suggest for pursuing elaborate experiments of Tagore’s songs to continue the Indian tradition in a respectful way, instead of mere notional fusions.