Rāga is that which colours or delights the mind of the good through specific svara, varṇa, or dhvani
"That which colours or delights the mind of the good through a specific
svara (interval) and varṇa (melodic movement) or through a type of dhvani
(sound) is known by the wise as rāga."
,1
[Chapter-III]
[The description of ragas]
[Propitiation]
'Bhm' 1 stands for light and hamsa2 (Atman) delights in it. Hence He is
known as Bharata<sup>3</sup> The knowledge of Bharata is born of Him. The splendid
Bhāratī<sup>4</sup> is born of that (knowledge).
(260)
[ The definition of raga and its etymology ]
[ Thus said Nārada? ]
What is conveyed by the word rāga, what again is the definition of rāga?
You should properly speak out its etymological definition.
(261)
Thus spoke Matanga –
The form of the course of raga which has not been spoken of by
(authorities) like Bharata, 5 is being described by us by combining the lakşya
(the defined) and lakṣaṇa (definition).
(262)
Therein initially -
That which colours or delights the mind of the good through a specific
svara (interval) and varṇa (melodic movement) or through a type of dhvani<sup>6</sup>
(sound) is known by the wise as rāga.
(263)
Or-
That which is a special dhvani,7 is bedecked with svara and varna and is
colourful or delightful to the minds of the people, is said to be rāga.
(264)
Lakṣaṇa (definition) is known to be two-fold viz. general<sup>8</sup> and particular.<sup>9</sup>
The general one is four-fold and the special is (in the form of) amisa and the
like.
(265)