Indeed, Indian Music not merely PERMITS IMPROVISATION IN MELODY AND RHYTHM, but THRIVES on it. The framework of rhythm is provided by the TALA - a cycle of beats, the character of which depends on the break-up of the MATRAS or Beats.

Parts of a performance of this music are certainly composed, but a major portion is improvised at that instant - which point to creativity of the highest order. Ragas are related to RASAS or MOODS, seasons, time
of the day/night.