Raga is a Sanskrit term used in Indian classical music to describe a melodic framework for improvisation and composition. Synonyms for the word "raga" include "raag," "rag," "ragini," "ragam," and "ragini-raga." These terms are used interchangeably in different regions of India and may also refer to a specific musical scale or mood. In addition to these synonyms, there are also various subgenres within the raga tradition, such as thumri and bhajan. The use of ragas in Indian classical music is a complex and nuanced art, with each raga having its own unique personality and set of rules for performance.