raga

[ rah-guh ]

noun

1. one of the melodic formulas of Hindu music having the melodic shape, rhythm, and ornamentation prescribed by tradition.

raga

/ ˈrɑːɡə /

noun

1. any of several conventional patterns of melody and rhythm that form the basis for freely interpreted compositions. Each pattern is associated with different aspects of religious devotion
2. a composition based on one of these patterns

Word History and Origins

Origin of raga¹

First recorded in 1780–90, raga is from the Sanskrit word rāga color, tone

Word History and Origins

Origin of raga¹

C18: from Sanskrit rāga tone, colour

Example Sentences

Raga says she agreed to the acquisition only because Etsy had a track record of leaving well enough alone.

From Time

From the camp we could see several valleys in the north-west drained by the source streams of the Raga-tsangpo.

From Project Gutenberg

The valley passes into a plain, in the southern part of which runs the great high-road between Raga-tasam and Saka-dzong.

From Project Gutenberg

He would evidently be our next difficulty, and if we slipped past him the country would be open to us as far as Raga-tasam.

From Project Gutenberg

The broad flat valley of the Raga-tsangpo stretches eastwards as far as the eye can see.

From Project Gutenberg

Between Raga-tasam and Ombo a road crosses the Tsalam-nakta-la, mostly frequented by salt caravans.

From Project Gutenberg