Question

Give a brief account of Sangeet Ratnakar.

Hint:

Sangeet Ratnakar = Sharngadeva → 7 chapters → Core link to Indian musicology.

Answer 1

Sangeet Ratnakar is one of the most important Sanskrit treatises on Indian music.
It was written by Sharngadeva in the 13th century.
The text summarises and expands the knowledge of ancient musicology, connecting older works like Natya Shastra and Brihaddeshi with later traditions.
Sangeet Ratnakar is divided into seven chapters: Swara, Raga, Prabandha, Tala, Dance, Instruments, and Miscellaneous topics.
It discusses the classification of swaras, ragas, talas, ornamentations, and performance practice.
It has served as a reference for both Hindustani and Carnatic music systems.
Many later scholars and musicians studied and preserved its concepts.
Because of its comprehensive coverage, it is called the ‘Ocean of Music’.