Systematic Analysis of Ragas - In Hindustani Classical Music

I sincerely thank all people who have helped me learn and understand music and play Sitar, particularly; Ustad Faiyaz Ahmed Khan, Shri Arvindbhai Shri N. R. Rama Rao, Ustad Vilayat Khan, Ustad Dilshad Khan, Begum Parveen Sultana, Ustad Mohammed Ahmed Khan, Laxman Prasad Jain (Gwalior Gharana), Kankana Banerjee and all my tabalchis over several decades.

My musical journey wouldn't have been possible without my late parents Indur ati and Ramniklal Shah, dearly departed wife Aruna and sister Darshna, brother Samsh, loving daughters Sejal and Shilpa (who artistically illustrated and designed this book), sons-in-law Rajesh and Devesh, grandson Jay (for his help with mind maps), and grand-daughters Anaya and Diya (for keeping me on my musical toes!).

Lastly, I thank Mr. Prasad Kulkarni of Sanskar Prakashan for his invaluable contribution of proof reading, printing and publishing this book in essence, helping me realize my dream.

I have attempted to write this book on Hindustani Classical Music, primarily as a gift to my daughters Sejal and Shilpa, as well as all budding musicians who may benefit from my experience, training and travails in learning Hindustani Classical Music. It is a special heritage which I would like to scribe and preserve for posterity. I dedicated my life to music; however, I would like to say that I have led a full parallel life being an engineer, cotton trader and a businessman - having received national level awards in all of my professions. On the personal front, I was a loving husband to my dear departed wife Aruna, a nurturing father to beautiful and kind daughters, and a doting grandfather to three grandchildren. All in all I have led a very balanced life with full justice to family, music and earning professions.

I have recorded a number of audio files to give audio support to this book. I hope all those who read the book, think about music, and practice on any medium, will find music learning easier. They will have a ready reference on many aspects.