Emotional Impact of Pt. Ravi Shankar’s Selected Ragas: A Cross-Cultural Pilot Study

Abstract

This study attempts to understand the effect of ragas created by Pandit Ravi Shankar that reflect the emotions of people from different countries, cultures, and languages. For this purpose, an online survey was conducted on people from India and Europe to see if the power of Indian classical music, through these ragas composed by Pt. Ravi Shankar, could cross cultural boundaries. The results of this initial survey and research were very interesting. Upon listening to these ragas, people felt happiness, peace, and a sense of calm, regardless of their country of origin. The survey also revealed a contrast in experiences: Indian listeners reported a deep and personal connection with the music, whereas European listeners had a unique and exploratory emotional experience. Thus, this research has demonstrated the cross-cultural emotional power of selected ragas composed by Pt. Ravi Shankar. Furthermore, this research also points to the important role of cultural context in shaping the perception of music. This small study provides a solid foundation for larger studies in this field for future research.