Svara is the fundamental scale used in Indian music. It consists of seven notes, each with its own unique pitch.

The notes of a raga are all related by a specific mathematical ratio. This ratio is called the shruti.

Tala is the rhythmic cycle used in Indian music. It consists of a repeating pattern of beats.

A typical tala has 16 beats.

Alaap is the system of improvisation used in Indian music. It is a free-form exploration of the raga.

The goal of alaap is to create a beautiful melody, to show off the musician's technical skill, and to connect with the divine.

Vadi is the main melodic line in a raga.

Samvadi is the note that is considered to be the most important in a raga.

Vivadi is the note that is considered to be the most dissonant in a raga.

Shastra is the system of music theory used in Indian music.

Natya Shastra is the ancient Indian text that is considered to be the foundation of Indian music theory.

Sitar is the musical instrument that is most commonly used to accompany Indian music.

Tanpura is the musical instrument that is used to provide a drone in Indian music.

Tabla is the musical instrument that is used to keep time in Indian music.

Sarangi is the musical instrument that is used to play the melody in Indian music.