Episode 139: “Eight Miles High” by the Byrds
A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
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Sufism and the Raga
Sufis are devoted to attaining knowledge and understanding of God. They believe strict adherence to Muslim law is the best way to attain that knowledge. Sufi ideas infuse much of Northern Indian classical music. For example it has been considered acceptable for Muslims to sing Hindu religious music, and Hindus to sing songs of praise to Allah. Both Khan and his son Ariak Bhaak Khan played the Savad while Shankar played the Sitar. But they all played the same kind of music, which is based on the concept of the Raga.
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