Welcome to this site dedicated to the ragas of hindustani music as played on the santoor. Here you will find information about the main concepts of Indian classical music, a presentation of the major ragas performed on the santoor, notations of compositions and audio examples.  

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The learning process of a raga implies memorizing a number of compositions in the same raga in order to build a "reservoir" of melodies that can come into play while improvising. These compositions have long been jealously preserved and transmitted orally only to a select few. Following the pioneering work of musicologist Vishnu Narayan Bhātkhaṇde (1920-1937), several vocal compositions (bandiśa) and instrumental compositions (gata) were made available to students, musicians and researchers through a notation system adapted to Indian music. This site is specifically designed to present the compositions played in the santoor gharānā established by Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. Santoor music

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*Warning*

The learning process of a raga cannot be done without the contribution of a teacher capable of guiding the musician in the acquisition of performative knowledge that transcends mere reproduction. This site has no other claim than to offer a reference tool to the musician already engaged in the practice of hindustani music. However, we can always hope that the musical material presented here resonates beyond a closed circle, puts new strings in vibration and inspires more musicians to undertake what will surely be a wonderful journey.

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