Why do we need a book with Puzzles and Fun facts on Karnatak music? Listen to these reasons - There is intricate mathematical patterning in talas. Raga alapa is sheer creativity - you are asked to do 'your own' alapa - no imitation is possible.

Indian classical music is a highly developed system - a part of cultural history. This book will ignite an interest in the treasure bequeathed by our saint musicians and rishis. Only a few have the voice, the aptitude and the time “to learn” music but all of us can “learn about” it.

For beginners in classical music this is a fun way to know facts that will make their music more meaningful. (In the Clues, look at words within inverted quotation marks and in the brackets).

This book focuses on “Karnatak” music that is prevalent in the four Southern states. Both the Northern and Southern systems of music are derived from the same ancient tradition.

Sri S. Rajam is a colossus in Art illustration and I thank him for his sketches. I acknowledge with gratitude:-

Editor of Nada Brahmam journal for permission to use my puzzles. V. Subramaniam for his drawings of Sabha gana and Gurukula. Rangaswamy Sarangan for sketches of musical instruments.

S. Janaki, Executive editor, Sruti, for meticulous proof - reading. Dr. Varalakshmi Anandakumar for valuable suggestions.