Essential indian classical music listening

The albums that define indian classical music.

Our picks for where to start with indian classical music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The indian classical music essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Live: Ravi Shankar at the Monterey International Pop Festival

Ravi Shankar

Live: Ravi Shankar at the Monterey International Pop Festival

Mesmerizing sitar melodies weave through intricate rhythms, creating a transcendent experience of Indian classical music.

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Three Ragas

Ravi Shankar

Three Ragas

A meditative exploration of traditional Indian ragas, showcasing intricate melodies and profound emotional depth.

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Qaraar – Ghazals by Hariharan

Hariharan

Qaraar – Ghazals by Hariharan

A lush tapestry of emotive melodies woven with intricate poetry and Hariharan's soulful vocals.

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Halka Nasha

Hariharan

Halka Nasha

A fusion of traditional Indian melodies with contemporary arrangements, creating a rich tapestry of sound.

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You've Stolen My Heart –  Songs From R.D. Burman’s Bollywood

Asha Bhosle

You've Stolen My Heart – Songs From R.D. Burman’s Bollywood

A vibrant celebration of classic Bollywood melodies infused with Asha Bhosle's enchanting vocal artistry.

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Anourag

Anoushka Shankar

Anourag

A vibrant tapestry of Indian classical music woven with Anoushka's virtuoso sitar melodies and intricate rhythms.

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Breathing Under Water

Anoushka Shankar

Breathing Under Water

A lush fusion of Indian classical and contemporary sounds, weaving emotional narratives through intricate melodies.

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Ecotopia

Oregon

Ecotopia

A lush tapestry of avant-garde jazz and world music, blending intricate melodies with organic rhythms.

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Out of the Woods

Oregon

Out of the Woods

A seamless blend of jazz, world music, and avant-garde textures creates an ethereal sonic landscape.

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Rag Lalit

Ram Narayan

Rag Lalit

A mesmerizing exploration of Rāg Lalit, weaving intricate melodies with meditative rhythms and profound emotional depth.

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Namaste

Rahul Sharma

Namaste

A serene blend of Indian classical music and contemporary electronic elements that invites deep meditation.

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Slumdog Millionaire

A. R. Rahman

Slumdog Millionaire

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Padayappa

A. R. Rahman

Padayappa

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