The sixth step of the the sapta swara, offering both komal (lowered) and shuddha (natural) options. While these are somewhat equivalent to the Western b6 and ♮6 (=800 and 900 cents), the Hindustani Dha may also take nearby microtones (e.g. Bageshri’s shuddha Dha is often closer to 886 cents: a ‘pure’ major 3rd above the shuddha ma vadi: and Rao & Meer note wide variance of komal dha intonation across multiple ragas…as well as within the same renditions). Plus, swaras are much more than just ‘notes’ (e.g. ancient mythology associates Dha with divinity and devotion, as well as linking its origins to the neighing of wild horses).
ध (धैवत)
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• Dha Categories •
Komal dha: present
Komal dha: only
Komal dha: varjit
Komal dha: imperfect
Komal dha: detached
Shuddha Dha: present
Shuddha Dha: only
Shuddha Dha: varjit
Shuddha Dha: imperfect
Shuddha Dha: detached
Generic Dha: present
Generic Dha: varjit
Double Dha: present
Mirror: d–R | dD–rG | D—g
• Quirks: shuddha Dha often tuned closer to the ‘pure‘ maj. 3rd above shuddha ma (~886 vs. 900 cents)
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