Swar is a term used in Indian classical music that refers to a musical note or pitch. It is a fundamental element of music, similar to how a letter is to a word. In Indian music, there are seven primary swars, known as Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, and Ni, which form the basis of melodies. Each swar has its own unique sound and emotional quality, contributing to the overall mood of a piece. Musicians use these swars to create ragas, which are specific melodic frameworks that guide improvisation and composition in Indian classical music.