The science of Indian music is founded on a most natural basis. Sound is graduated into tones, semitones, and microtones. Time is divided into six finer divisions, besides the usual six. Each note has its color, a planet, and an element, according to the mysticism of sound. Our music is based upon the principle of ragas, scales. Mystically they are subject to time and season, and each raga has an effect upon the spheres. Poetically ragas have their images; they are also idealized as "ragas" (men), "raginis" (women), "putras" (sons), "bharjas" (daughters). Mathematically they have increased from one to innumerable ragas. Artistically they are taken from the natural music of diverse people. And scientifically they have five divisions: ragas of seven notes, six notes, five notes, even notes, and odd notes.

The art of Indian music is remarkable for its vocal culture, and it requires years of study to attain proficiency in it. Our instrumental music is considered next to the vocal in importance. The vina is the oldest instrument in the world's history, and it is also the only instrument for the correct production of Indian music. Indian dancing follows on the same principles as vocal and instrumental music. The Indian musician is recognized chiefly for the inspirational beauty he expresses by his improvisation. Therefore our composers are much less known, because their compositions are performed by each artist differently; only the foundation and poetry remain the same. The artist is supposed to be a composer himself before he can become an artist. Even if he sings one song it will be different each time. Therefore notation did not become universal in India until of late, when Moula Baksh, the great composer, invented a system of notation for beginners and founded a school on modern principles in the state of Maharajah Baekwar of Baroda.