Raga Darbari for focus, Jogiya for calm: IIT study proves Indian classical music influences brain activity

One of the most striking findings was the measurable effect of individual Ragas on particular cognitive states.

Indian classical Ragas can significantly influence brain activity and enhance mental well-being, according to a new study conducted by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi in collaboration with IIT Kanpur. The research, published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, provided scientific evidence that Ragas can improve attention, regulate emotions and promote mental stability, potentially serving as an effective tool in combating stress, cognitive overload, and emotional disconnection.

“This is where the Indian classical musical system stands out—not just as an art form, but as a highly refined, structured science of emotion and consciousness,” said Professor Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, in a statement to NDTV. “Each Raga is crafted to evoke specific emotional states (Nav Rasa), guiding the mind from tension to tranquillity, and from heaviness to clarity and joy.”

The study, involving 40 participants, employed an advanced real-time brain-mapping technique known as EEG microstate analysis. This method captures brief yet meaningful patterns of brain activity, termed "microstates", which typically last only tens of milliseconds. These microstates represent the brain’s transient modes of operation, including attention, sensory integration, and emotional engagement.

Researchers found that exposure to Indian classical Ragas led to consistent transitions in these neural microstates. The patterns were neither arbitrary nor incidental. Instead, the data indicated that specific Ragas induced stable and repeatable shifts in brain activity, providing compelling evidence of the genre's therapeutic potential.

“The data showed repeatable, consistent transitions after exposure to the Ragas, suggesting Indian classical music can serve as a powerful tool for mental wellness,” said Ashish Gupta, the first author of the study.

One of the most striking findings was the measurable effect of individual Ragas on particular cognitive states. Raga Darbari, for instance, was shown to increase attention-related microstates while simultaneously reducing neural signatures associated with mind-wandering. This resulted in heightened focus and cognitive clarity. The researchers recommended that listening to Raga Darbari before high-stakes tasks such as exams or critical meetings could improve performance by sharpening attention.

Raga Jogiya, meanwhile, was found to activate microstates linked to emotion regulation and attentional balance. This Raga helped listeners process emotional stimuli with calmness and composure, making it especially useful in managing grief, emotional overload or anxiety.

The study situates itself within the ancient Indian tradition of Raga Chikitsa—the therapeutic use of Raga for healing and psychological well-being. “The therapeutic use of Raga, often termed ‘Raga Chikitsa,’ has existed in India for centuries,” said Professor Behera. “What’s new today is the scientific validation of its effects on the brain and emotions through tools like EEG and neuroimaging. The core science is robust and shows consistent patterns of cognitive and emotional benefits.”

Professor Behera further noted that a structured, scalable model is now needed to integrate these findings into everyday life. “With thoughtful scaling, collaboration between scientists, therapists, and musicians, and integration into digital platforms or wellness apps, this ancient practice can become a globally accessible and scalable tool for mental well-being,” he said.

Professor Braj Bhushan of IIT Kanpur, co-author of the study, echoed this sentiment in a press release, stating, “This work reveals the remarkable capacity of Indian Classical music to engage cognitive and emotional systems. It opens a new path for developing personalised, music-based mental health support tools rooted in India's cultural wisdom.”

The implications of this research extend beyond the Indian subcontinent. A parallel study conducted on Western participants confirmed similar effects of classical music on brain microstates, suggesting the universality of classical music’s neurological impact.