When you start learning the bansuri or Indian Classical Music in general you will surely come across the word Alankar very soon. It is one of the most fundamental practices in this art form. In this blog post I will describe what it is, why you need to start practicing it and what it will do to your playing.

In Indian Classical Music we improvise a lot. Sometimes up to 90% of a performance of Hindustani Classical Music (north indian classical style) is improvised. But don't make the mistake of thinking that it means you can play anything you like. It is within a strict framework called a Raga (but that's for another blog post).

In order to be able to improvise you need to be able to play many different variations, isn't it so? Otherwise you will just end up playing the same stuff, or simply run out of ideas. Alankars are the foundation on which the house is built. Alankars are the solid foundation upon which the bricks are laid, which are in fact also Alankars. The bricks are Alankars. Alankars are the letters that you make words out of. Alankars are the words that you combine to sentences and finally meaning. Meaning and expressing what we want is improvisation. But this is not possible without the grammar and words, right? We want to express something but we can't, that's riyaz (practice) without alankars.  

I would argue that it is impossible to learn an instrument in general and Indian Classical Music in particular without Alankars. 

But it is not merely exercises. Alankars are more than that...

In Indian classical music, it refers to specific patterns of notes arranged in aroh (ascending) and avroh (descending) sequences, which are practiced repeatedly. These patterns can be simple (like SRG, RGM, GMP...) or complex (like skipping notes, weaving across octaves, or combining rhythmic variations).

They are tools to shape the sound, refine the technique and internalize ragas. Because they also adapt to the specific raga you're learning. An alankar in, for example, Raga Yaman will also help you learn that raga, at least how to move in the raga.

Why Are Alankars So Important?

Just as athletes train their muscles through drills, our training is through alankars. 

They improve:

• Breath control
• Range and flexibility
• Clarity of notes (sur)
• Smooth transitions between notes

But they also help with:

- Building a Strong Foundation

Every raga is built on swaras (notes), and every swara must be precise. Alankars helps you develop accuracy and stability, ensuring that each note is played with confidence and purity. Without this foundation, performing a raga becomes shaky. Like a house on bad foundation. 

- Understanding Taal (Rhythmic cycles)

When alankars are practiced in different taals, you learn how melody and rhythm work together. This develops the ability to stay in time and eventually improvise within the structure of the taal you're playing.

- Improvisation Skills

As I wrote earlier, Indian classical music is mostly based on improvisation (within a framework) and alankars train the mind to see patterns and possibilities, AND the body's ability to play them, in a raga. Over time, you will learn how to weave spontaneous variations, making up your own patterns and thus turning practice into creative artistry.

- Mental Discipline and Focus

Repetition of alankars is not just physical but also mental training. They sharpen memory, focus, and patience. This meditative aspect is why Indian classical music is considered a spiritual practice as much as an art form. I personally love to dive deep into the repetitive nature of an alankar, much like a mantra. With the fun addition of getting better at something.  

- Mastering a Raga

Each raga has a unique personality - its own permitted notes, rules of movement, and emotional essence (rasa). Alankars are the stepping stones to entering that world. Once integrated, they make it easier to explore ragas naturally and confidently.

 

 

Conclusion

Alankars may seem repetitive to beginners, but they are the essence of Indian classical training. They shape the player, deepen the understanding, and unlock the doors to creativity and improvisation.

In short, alankars are not just exercises - they are the pathway to mastery of expression (improvisation).