As the author points out, almost every Indian art is directed towards transforming those who are attracted to it; its allure and enchantment is only an incidental thing that happens. So Raghava Menon traces the inner journey of transformation that a musician must make as he rigorously searches for his music. In the process, the book explores the various pillars on which Indian classical music rests; the Swara, the Raga, Talas, Gayaki, Gharanas, and the alchemical process of personal, one-on-one transmission of the knowledge from the Guru.

Along the way, the book illumines what one hears when listening to a concert or a recording: how and why a Raga is much more than its notes; how a classical Indian musician explores a Raga; the time theory of Ragas; the different kinds of compositions; the essential difference between Indian and Western classical music, and much else. There is also a glossary of important concepts and terms and a select discography.

For all lovers of Indian classical music, this book will help in gaining a deeper, fuller understanding. It is a disarmingly short book; its multi-layered texture will ambush you with its magic.