GUITAR ATLAS: INDIA contains arrangements of songs as well as raga scales for improvisation and comes with a CD for begining - intermediate guitarists. The book is 47 pages and serves as an introduction to the styles of music in India. This page supplements the material in the book.

Ragas are often depicted in miniature paintings. click here to see some examples

The ITC Sangeet Research Academy in India provides useful information through their website. Ragas are grouped by time of performance and organised using a RAGA WHEEL A good reference for how each raga may sound traditionally, highlighting its characteristic qualities in a brief composition. Most examples are vocal and might not make much sense to a beginner other than to provide a feel for what a composition in a particular mode sounds like in a traditional context .

India's greatest Sitarist and musician NIKHIL BANERJEE A very quiet and powerful man, he elevated improvisation to an art form beyond the ordinary to a profound spirtual experience, sort of like Miles. His passing in 1986 has left a void that cannot be filled. I have a fond memory playing some Bach and Albeniz for him on a classical guitar one summer afternoon :)

Folk Instruments of India with audio samples-pictures and sounds of instruments used primarily in folk music.
click here (external link to another site)