Why is the Raga Tarangini considered highly important in Hindustani music history?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer:
It uses many raga names still in use today
Explanation:
Authored by Pandit Lochana (Lochan Kavi) around the 15th century, Raga Tarangini is a monumental treatise in the history of Indian classical music. Its primary historical importance lies in its nomenclature and classification system (introducing 12 parent Melas). It documents and describes numerous ragas—such as Bhairavi, Todi, Kafi, Kalyan, Sarang, and Kanada—whose names and core frameworks remain foundational to modern Hindustani classical music.
Key Points:
• Written by Pandit Lochana from the Mithila region, it served as a crucial transition between ancient music systems and the modern Thaat classification.
• The text emphasizes practical performance traditions rather than purely abstract ancient theories.
• Its system of parent scales acted as a direct precursor to Pandit V.N. Bhatkhande's 10-Thaat system developed in the 20th century.
Important Questions and Answers:
Question: Who is the author of the classical musical treatise Raga Tarangini?
Answer: Pandit Lochana (Lochan Kavi).
Question: How many parent scales (Melas) did Pandit Lochana introduce in Raga Tarangini?
Answer: 12 Melas.