* A melodic framework that defines the structure of a piece of music
* Based on a specific set of notes, called swara
* Each raga has its own unique character and emotional mood
Tala
* The rhythmic cycle of a piece of music
* Determined by the number of beats in a cycle, called matra
* Different talas create different rhythmic feels
Svara
* The individual notes used in Indian music
* There are seven basic notes, called shadja, rishabha, gandhara, madhyama, panchama, dhaivata, and nishad
* Each svara has its own unique pitch and function within a raga