A rag is a melodic framework for improvisation and composition in Hindustani music akin to a melodic mode in western music. It consists of a specific set of notes and their combination used in a particular order to produce a melody. A rag also provides a framework of rules with the help of which a musician can improvise to produce different melodies by infinitely reordering a given set of notes specifically prescribed for a particular rag. Every rag has an array of melodic structures with musical motifs that is capable of evoking distinct emotions. [https://www.britannica.com/art/raga; 15 September 2021]