Listening to Indian ragas improves focus and emotional balance: IIT Mandi study

India Today

2 days ago

In a remarkable fusion of traditional Indian music and modern neuroscience, IIT Mandi researchers have provided scientific proof that listening to Indian classical ragas can positively influence brain activity.The study recommends listening to Raga Darbari before exams or meetings to improve focus, and Raga Jogiya in times of stress or emotional difficulty.The research, led by Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, shows how specific ragas help improve focus, manage emotions, and bring mental stability.advertisement
The findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.MICROSTATES: A WINDOW INTO THE BRAINThe study focused on EEG microstates, short-lived but meaningful patterns of brain activity. These patterns, which last only milliseconds, reflect different mental states such as attention, emotional response, or distraction.Using advanced EEG analysis, researchers tracked how participants' brains responded to specific ragas. The study involved 40 participants and monitored changes in their brain activity in real time.RAGA DARBARI AND JOGIYAThe results showed that Raga Darbari, known for its soothing tone, increased brain microstates related to attention and reduced those linked to mind-wandering. This suggests that the raga helps listeners stay focused and clear-headed.In contrast, Raga Jogiya, which has a melancholic feel, also strengthened attentional networks but more importantly activated brain patterns associated with emotional control. This indicates that it can help people manage feelings like sadness or grief.SCIENTIFIC VALIDATION OF INDIAN MUSICAL WISDOMadvertisement'This study shows that Indian classical music has a real effect on how our brains work,' said Professor Behera. 'It is fascinating that ancient melodies can guide the brain towards more focused and stable states.'Lead researcher Ashish Gupta noted that these changes were consistent and repeatable, suggesting Indian ragas could become useful tools for improving mental health in non-invasive and culturally resonant ways.Further validating the results, a parallel study on Western participants revealed similar brain responses, confirming the universal neurological power of classical music across cultures.A FUTURE OF HEALING IN TRADITIONAL STRAINSCo-author Prof. Braj Bhushan of IIT Kanpur highlighted the broader potential: 'This research opens a new path for personalised, music-based mental health tools that are both scientifically effective and culturally meaningful.'The findings underline how ancient traditions and modern science can work together, showing that solutions for mental well-being may lie in our cultural past.- Ends