rãga

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rãga. Indian melodic type, first mentioned in 5th cent. AD. Various rãga systems have developed over the centuries. A rãga comprises an unchangeable series of notes presented as an ascending and descending scale, some notes being used only in the ascending part, others only in the descending. Rãgas are assoc. with moods, e.g. loneliness, bravery, eroticism, and with particular times of day or year, or with certain ceremonial occasions.

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