Instead of thinking of each raag as a completely separate object, it helps to imagine a mind-map – a network where raags are connected by shared notes, moods, and families.
Connections by thaat
Within a thaat (like Kalyan or Bhairav), raags share the same “raw ingredients” but differ in:
- Aaroha/Avaroha patterns.
- Choice of Vaadi/Samvaadi.
- Typical pakads.
You can draw a diagram: at the center, the thaat; around it, its raags.
Connections by mood
Another way is to group raags by mood:
- Serene/meditative (Bhairav, Todi, Lalit).
- Romantic/devotional (Yaman, Bageshree, Bhimpalasi).
- Heroic/bright (Malkauns, Adana, Deshkar).
- Seasonal (Malhar family for monsoon, Basant for spring).
Connections by pakad similarity
Some raags share similar movement but differ in one or two critical points. Mapping these helps prevent confusion and deepen understanding.
On a website or app, this mind-map can become interactive: click one raag, see its neighbors, listen to short clips. For human learners, even a hand-drawn map in a notebook can make the raag universe feel more organized and friendly.