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). Plus, swaras are much more than just ‘notes’ (e.g. traditional scholarship associates Dha with divinity and celestial devotion, as well as linking its origins to the neighing of wild horses).
Sa | Re | Ga | Ma | Pa | Dha | Ni
Search | All Tags | Glossary
• 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)
[MORE TO FOLLOW]
Like everything on my site, the Raga Index will always remain 100% open-access and ad-free: however, anti-corporate musicology doesn’t pay the bills! I put as much into this project as time and finances allow – so, if you like these resources, you can:
• Support the Raga Index! •
…and hasten the project’s expansion…
—Riyaz-focused notations & bandish—
—Resurrecting rare and ancient ragas—
—Further melodic & geometric analysis—
—Engaging with Hindustani performers—
—Ensuring that high-quality raga knowledge will remain open to all, at no cost: free from commercial motive!—
• Hindustani Raga Index •
An open-ended project seeking to bring North Indian raga closer to all who approach with open ears. Combines direct input from dozens of leading Hindustani artists with in-depth insights from music history, global theory, performance practice, cognitive science, and much more! [out 2023-24]
—Megalist (365+ ragas)—
• Search: Find your new favourite •
• Tags: Classifying the ragascape •
• Glossary: Raga jargon demystified •
• Murchanas: Swara-set rotations •
• Thaat: Bhatkhande’s base scales •
• Ragatable: Analytical connections •
• Tanpuras: Divine overtonal drones •
• Quotes: Musings from raga artists •
• Talas: Hindustani rhythm cycles •
Sa | Re | Ga | Ma | Pa | Dha | Ni
[Random Raga]
—Search the Raga Index—
• Feedback / Contact •
George Howlett is a London-based musician, writer, and teacher (guitars, sitar, tabla, & santoor). Above all I seek to enthuse fellow sonic searchers, interconnecting fresh vibrations with the voices, cultures, and passions behind them. See Homepage for more, and hit me up for Lessons!
• Learn raga on any instrument! •
everything 100% ad-free and open-access