BOOKS
Indian Civilizational Books
Rana Sangeetam
Music, Memory, and the Continuity of Indian Civilization
Rana Sangeetam is a curated anthology of compositions that explore the role of music in shaping cultural resilience, ethical conviction, and collective identity in Indian civilization. The volume brings together devotional hymns, patriotic songs, regional anthems, philosophical compositions, and national classics, presented with musical notation and contextual commentary.
Spanning multiple Indian languages and musical traditions, the book situates selected compositions within their historical and cultural frameworks. It includes scholarly perspectives on the evolution of war and patriotic songs, along with biographical notes on composers, reformers, and historical figures associated with the repertoire.
Designed as an educational resource for students, teachers, and institutions, Rana Sangeetam integrates musical pedagogy with cultural literacy. It reflects Sangeeta Bharati’s mission to promote disciplined practice, informed performance, and an appreciation of India’s rich musical heritage.
Suitable for music academies, cultural schools, and heritage programs, the book serves as both a performance guide and a contextual study resource.
Bhagawad Gita
A timeless guide to human life, courage, sorrow, action, and spiritual wisdom
The Bhagawad Gita is a compilation of all 700 Gita shlokas for easy reading and recitation. A book that evolves with corrections and additions is written in standardized Devanagari and English, with simple translations.
Salient Features:
- “Gita-As-Is” without narration or interpretation of shlokas.
- The simple translation of shlokas.
- Easy English transliteration close to Sanskrit pronunciation.
- Simple translation of Gita shlokas.
- Attractive and easy-to-read fonts and layouts.
- Interesting facts on Gita in the form of tidbits (footnotes) to bring interest in Gita reading.
- Printer-friendly PDF with pages organized to print as a booklet, spiral bind, or hardbound book on letter-size paper.
- Permitted for interested people and organizations to print, use printed books as a gift, or circulate.
- Readers, too, can contribute suggestions on errors, omissions, and additions, and help improve this evolving book. Write to info@sangeetabharati.org.
- Like any other PDF book on this website, the Bhagawad Gita is an evolving product that is constantly revised for errors, omissions, and additions, and is periodically uploaded here.
Laya Sourabha - English
Laya Sourabha is a textbook on learning Mrudanga, a percussion instrument in Karnataka Sangeeta.
This book is written by percussion Vidwan Shri Sreenivas Murthy, founder of “Gurusmruti Kala Kendra”, Bengaluru. Originally released as a printed book in 2014, this book has now been made into an evolving digital version and published on Sangeeta Bharati for the benefit of a larger audience worldwide. This book can also serve as a textbook for preparing for the Tala-Vadya examination conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) and others.
It is available for free download on this Sangeeta Bharati website, like any other Sangeeta Bharati publication.
Laya Sourabha - Kannada
Laya Sourabha, in Kannada, is a textbook on learning the Mrudanga, a percussion instrument in Karnataka Sangeeta. Percussion Vidwan Shri Sreenivas Murthy writes this book. Murthy is the founder of “Gurusmruti Kala Kendra”, Bengaluru.
Originally released as a printed book in 2014, this book has now been made into an evolving digital version and published on Sangeeta Bharati for the benefit of a larger audience worldwide. This book can also serve as a textbook for preparing for the Tala-Vadya examination conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) and others.
It is available for free download on this Sangeeta Bharati website, like any other Sangeeta Bharati publication.
Sadhakams - English
Sadhakams is a set of practice exercises for Carnatic flutists to improve playing speeds and clarity. It is also useful for other instrumental learners like Violinists and Veena players.
Sadhakams - Kannada
Sādhakagaḷu is a set of sadhakams practice exercises in the Kannada language. Mainly written for Carnatic flutists to improve playing speeds and clarity, it is also useful for other instrumental learners like Violinists and Veena players.
Nottuswara Sahitya
European Tunes in Karnataka Shastreeya Sangeeta
Nottuswara Sahitya is a compilation of 39 Nottuswarams of Nadajyoti Shri. Muttuswamy Dikshitar, along with similar songs by other composers.
Songs are provided in Devanagari and Latin, with English translations. Notations are also included.
Nursery Rhymes
and Peppy Tunes
Collection of popular English nursery rhymes with sargam notations.
Textbooks
The lessons given here are the minimum required to complete the Sangeeta Bharati Junior examination. But students and parents must be aware that there is much more to learn, which Gurus can teach in accordance with their sampradaya.
Sangeeta Pravesha Prathama
Junior level 1 textbook in Karnataka Sangeeta
with practice tips for instrumentalists
Sangeeta Pravesha Prathama (Junior level 1) is a focused beginner’s version of the full Sangeeta Pravesha textbook, created especially for young learners preparing for the Level 1 practical examination. Considering young children as the users of this book, it features child-friendly large text, engaging visuals, and values-oriented reflections. This book has everything needed for those appearing for the Sangeeta Pravesha level 1 examination.
As a bonus, this book also includes information on the flute used in Karnataka Sangeeta and Varnalankara exercises. These are optional learning and not required for the examination.
Sangeeta Pravesha Dwiteeya
Junior level 2 textbook in Karnataka Sangeeta
Sangeeta Pravesha Dwiteeya corresponds to the level 2 content of the junior syllabus. This is in continuation of Sangeeta Pravesha Prathama.
This book also includes Sadhaka exercises for additional practice.
Sangeeta Pravesha Truteeya
Junior level 3 textbook in Karnataka Sangeeta
Sangeeta Pravesha Dwiteeya corresponds to the level 2 content of the junior syllabus. This is in continuation of Sangeeta Pravesha Prathama.
This book also includes exercises on creating Swara phrases for additional practice.
Sangeeta Pravesha Chaturtha
Junior level 4 textbook in Karnataka Sangeeta
Sangeeta Pravesha Dwiteeya corresponds to the level 2 content of the junior syllabus. This is in continuation of Sangeeta Pravesha Prathama.
This book also includes Music theory required for the junior level 4 examination.
Bharatanatya Pravesha
A textbook on Bharatanatya Pravesha (Junior). This is an evolving product that currently includes information about examinations.
Bharatanatya Pravesha is periodically updated. We announce the new editions of this book as they become available. You can follow us on Facebook for updates at https://www.facebook.com/SangeetaBharatiAmerica/.
Talavadya Pravesha Practicals
It is a junior Karnataka talavadya textbook of practical lessons covering all three levels.
One must also use its theory counterpart which is given in a separate book with the title “Talavadya Pravesha Theory”.
Talavadya Pravesha Theory and Examination Manual
This book is all about Karnataka Talavadya junior theory lessons every Talavadya student should know. It also includes information about Sangeeta Bharati talavadya examinations, syllabus, sample question papers, evaluation criteria. etc.,
One should use this book along with its practicals counterpart book “Talavadya Pravesha Practicals”.
Kalā Shāstra Pravēsha
Part I and II Theory · Junior Levels 2, 3, and 4
A common theory textbook for all disciplines (music, dance, and percussion). Along with this, students will also study their art-specific theory at level 4.
Prarambha Textbook
The Prarambha textbook contains materials suitable for children up to 7 years old to be taught by parents at home. This prepares a child for formal Indian classical music and dance lessons later in life. This book is for every child in every house, regardless of their inclination toward classical music or dance. Use this as a textbook to appear for the Sangeeta Bharati examination in December and qualify to participate in Sangeeta Bharati Navaratri Sangeetotsav and other programs.
Publisher's Note
Sangeeta Bhārati’s books are created with a simple yet powerful purpose: to introduce young minds to the beauty, discipline, and cultural depth of Indian classical music and dance in a way that is joyful, structured, and meaningful.
Initially, these books were created as a personal teaching tool by K.N. Shivakumar. While guiding his young daughter through her first steps in Karṇāṭaka Sangeeta, he designed large-font, child-friendly lessons to make learning both accessible and engaging. Over time, with contributions from other authors, the publications have grown into a comprehensive learning resource—now used by students, teachers, and institutions worldwide.
Rooted in Tradition, Designed for Today
The books follow the traditional learning path of Indian Classical Arts.
Aligned with Structured Learning
Following the launch of Sangeeta Bhārati’s global examination program in 2022, these books are carefully aligned with the Sangeeta Pravēsha syllabus and beyond. This ensures that students progress with clarity, confidence, and continuity as they move through formal learning and assessment pathways.
Music and Dance with Values
Beyond musical or dance training, these books seek to nurture character. Inspired by timeless teachings on good conduct and self-development, the pages feature gentle reflections designed to encourage discipline, humility, and respect—qualities that shape not just skilled musicians but also thoughtful individuals.
A Gift to the Community
In the spirit of “Kereya Neeranu Kerege Chelli (ಕೆರೆಯೆ ನೀರನು ಕೆರೆಗೆ ಚೆಲ್ಲಿ)”—giving back to the source—these books are offered as free eBooks to ensure that children everywhere can access and connect with India’s rich musical heritage, regardless of geography or background.
A Living Work
Sangeeta Bhārati’s publications continue to evolve through feedback, scholarship, and teaching experience. We regularly update this website to keep the content relevant, accurate, and inspiring for the next generation of learners.