Gamakas are ornamental variations in notes that enhance the expressiveness of a raga. They include oscillations, slides and grace notes, shaping the raga’s character and distinguishing it from a simple scale.
Class 6 Visual Arts Kriti-I Taal or Talam and Raga or Ragam in Indian Music question answer
Class 6 NCERT Arts Chapter 8 Taal or Talam and Raga or Ragam in Indian Music solutions
Gamakas are essential in Indian classical music as they add emotional depth and fluidity to a raga. They involve sliding between notes (meend), oscillations (andolan) and rapid note repetitions (kampitam). Gamakas help distinguish ragas that share the same notes but have different moods. For example, Raga Yaman and Raga Kalyan use the same notes, but their gamakas make them unique. Gamakas are fundamental to both Carnatic and Hindustani music traditions.