S-r-g-m-D-n-S A mellifluous modern form created by Ravi Shankar in 1968 (…via backseat car-ride boredom in Bengal). While somewhat resembling a ‘komal re Bageshri’, its hexagonal structure summons its own colours and tensions – with early performances exerting hidden influence on countercultural icons including George Harrison. A captivating scale, ripe for open-ended experiments. Also see […]
• Raag Parameshwari •
• Raag Yaman •
S-R-G-M-P-D-N-S Among the first-learned and most-performed ragas, Yaman’s influence on modern Hindustani music is impossible to overstate. Linked to the early night hours (‘when lanterns are lit’), the disbalancing effects of tivra Ma – the only non-shuddha swara – allow for a kaleidoscopic emotional range, with Sa and Pa often being skipped in aroha to […]
• Raag Vachaspati •
S-R-G-M-P-D-n-S Vachaspati (‘lord of speech’) is a recent import from the South, adapted from Carnatic music’s 64th parent scale in the mid-20th century. Consequently, its Northern form is still in a state of flux, with few firm melodic conventions aside from staying within the scale’s bounds. The swaras resemble overtones 8-14 of the harmonic series […]
• Raag Todi •
S-r-g-M-P-d-N-S Pivotal to Hindustani history, the Todi raganga overflows with musical ideas found nowhere else on the planet. Some link its ambiguous geometries with “existential unsettlement”, while others hear “the playfulness of a newborn, content and smiling”. Rajan Parrikar hails it as “the most profound, finespun idea in melodic music…from ecstasy, to frolic, to pathos, […]
• Raag Tilak Kamod •
S-R-G-m-P-D-N-S Mirroring the Western Major scale, Tilak Kamod’s seven swaras offer robust melodic flexibility across a range of sentiments (“heroic courage, philosophic poise, devotional contentment, suggestive eroticism…”). One tale traces the raga to Pyar Khan, a rabab pioneer said to have devised it after overhearing a village woman sing while grinding corn in Uttar Pradesh. […]
• Raag Shree •
S-r-G-M-P-d-N-S According to Gwalior vocal master Omkarnath Thakur, Shree is associated with those sunset hours when “disembodied spirits…become active, and aid in the black magic of Tantriks”. Tied to ancient mythologies of Lord Shiva, the raga takes its name from ‘Sri’, a sacred Sanskrit syllable which in Vedic tradition represents the material nature of humanity’s […]
• Raag Puriya Dhanashree •
S-r-G-M-P-d-N-S Like the scale-congruent Shree, Puriya Dhanashree’s hemitonic clusters outline a major triad (SGP) with the first and last steps ‘enclosed’ by their immediate neighbours to give two sets of three adjacent swaras (NSr, MPd). Pa exerts the strongest gravity, easing the tension of the tivra Ma and providing temporary anchor for melodic lines which […]
• Raag Puriya •
S-r-G-M-D-N-S A prominent sunset raga, Puriya takes the same six swaras as Marwa and Sohini, reworking them to bring a distinct set of melodic forces. Renditions tend to focus on the low and middle octaves, seeking a fine balance between ascending and descending phrases. Some describe its mood as one of ‘sombre piety’, while others […]
• Raag Poorvi •
S-r-G-mM-P-d-N-S Poorvi is a long-lived sunset raga from East India, which to many evokes a serious mood of mystical contemplation. Mixing wide and narrow intervals (all swaras have at least one immediate neighbour), its complex twists and turns belie the base scale’s neat, symmetrical nature – with Sa and Pa often being omitted in ascent […]
• Raag Pilu •
S-R-gG-m-P-dD-nN-S A true thumri raga, Pilu’s highly permissive melodic framework functions more like an alliance of amorous folk tunes than a ‘fully codified’ form. While relatively rare on the khayal stage, it enjoys wild popularity across a swathe of semi-classical styles, invoking both variants of Ga, Dha, & Ni to animate love songs and Krishna […]
• Raag Patdeep •
S-R-g-m-P-D-N-S Derived from the Dhanashree family, Patdeep somewhat resembles a ‘shuddha Ni Bhimpalasi’: ascending pentatonically before revealing Re and Dha in descent (and thus mirroring the Melodic Minor). Its distinctive interval structure, featuring a run of adjacent whole-tone jumps (gmPDN), can be rotated via murchana to form Charukeshi, Vachaspati, and Ahiri. • Raga Megalist (365+) • […]
• Raag Multani •
S-r-g-M-P-d-N-S Multani is an afternoon raga of angular shape and ancient heritage: the name suggests origins in the Multan region, long heralded as a holy site by Hindus, Sikhs, and Sufis alike. In Deepak Raja’s reflection, its Todi-congruent swaras fit with “oppressive afternoon heat…the virtual wilting of the body and mind under the remorseless tyranny […]
• Raag Miyan ki Malhar •
S-R-g-m-P-D-nN-S Derived from the Sanskrit for ‘banishing uncleanliness’, the main raga of the Malhar family is mythically connected to Miyan Tansen, said to have sung it at Emperor Akbar’s 16th-century royal court to summon the monsoon. Still inextricably linked to the rejuvenating effects of rain, Malhar’s twin ni swaras are essential to generating the charged […]
• Raag Marwa •
S-r-G-M-D-N-S Notable for omitting its own Sa for long stretches, the hexatonic Marwa conjures moods of ‘austere, spiritual renunciation’ – summoning these sentiments with low, slow lines which patiently outline the raga’s highly irregular geometry (three adjacent plus three wide-set swaras). Its descent-dominant melodies often tease at resolutions which never fully arrive. Congruent with Puriya […]
• Raag Lalit •
S-r-G-mM-d-N-S Lalit is an oddly-shaped sunrise raga. Among the most influential forms in Hindustani history, its distinctive ‘double Ma, no Pa’ structure has a malleable ambiguity, capable of conjuring flavours ranging from “sadness and anguish to the serene and devotional”. The evenly-weighted treatment of the twin ma swaras leads some to see the tivra as […]
• Raag Kaunsi Kanada •
S-R-g-m-P-d-n-S The modern form of Kaunsi Kanada is often summarised as a blend of two ragas: ‘Malkauns on the way up, and Darbari on the way down’. But the whole is more than the sum of these parts, with both sides interacting to offer labyrinthine moods – described by Debasmita Bhattacharya as one of “heavy […]
• Raag Kafi •
S-R-g-m-P-D-n-S Perhaps more like an compendium of folk tunes than a fully codified raga framework, Kafi offers unusual chromatic freedoms. Almost always appearing in mishra (‘mixed’) form, renditions will often borrow from affiliated ragas as well as semi-classical styles such as thumri, dadra, and ghazal. Lyrical material tends towards the romantic, matched by free-roaming melodies. […]
• Raag Jhinjhoti •
S-R-G-m-P-D-n-S A staple of thumri, tappa, and other light-classical styles, Jhinjhoti is a hearty raga of the late evening and early night hours. Particularly beloved by instrumentalists, it is a favourite of Hindu weddings and other celebratory gatherings, offering a reassuring familiarity via balancing Durga-like ascending phrases with a special treatment of shuddha Ga in […]
• Raag Desh •
S-R-G-m-P-D-nN-S Intimately connected to Indian national identity, Desh gives melodic direction to the famous patriotic anthem Vande Mataram, as well as soundtracking dozens of Rabindrasangeet. Associated with the second quarter of night, renditions tend towards the sweet and romantic, borrowing liberally from thumri, hori, and other folk forms. Re is prominent – and the raga […]
• Raag Darbari •
S-R-g-m-P-d-n-S Darbari has been described as “the emperor of ragas, and the raga of emperors”. Its majestic tones famously echoed across the marble floors of Mughal palaces in centuries past, bringing solemn relief to kings, warlords, and diplomats alike. Consequently, renditions tend to retain a grave, reverential patience, laden with heavy, vocalistic ornaments and turns. […]
• Raag Charukeshi •
S-R-G-m-P-d-n-S Adopted from Carnatic music, Charukeshi calls for wide-open melodic exploration, favouring long melodies which wind around themselves while visiting the furthest reaches of all three octaves. Like many Southern scales, it is often used as a canvas for reshaping and recolouring ideas from adjacent ragas, while itself presenting an odd marriage of major and […]
• Raag Chandranandan •
S-R-g-m-P-d-nN-S Chandranandan (‘moonstruck’) is a modern classic, created by Ali Akbar Khan in a spare studio moment via spontaneously blending concepts from the Kaunsi family. The recording sold wildly – but, when concert audiences called out for the raga, he found that he had forgotten how to play it. The sarod master’s paradox-laden path of […]
• Raag Bilaskhani Todi •
S-r-g-m-P-d-n-S A hallowed form, Bilaskhani Todi is fabled to have been created by Bilas Khan: son of Tansen, the legendary composer of Emperor Akbar’s court. On trying to sing Todi at his father’s funeral wake, Bilas found himself so grief-stricken that he mixed up the swaras – however, his panic was allayed on witnessing the […]
• Raag Bihag •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-N-S Created via the artful grafting of tivra Ma onto a Bilawal-oriented base, Bihag contains a wealth of melodic possibilities. Long linked to late evening festivities, its meend-laden tendencies are explored with symmetrical articulations and fluid resolution phrases, guided by nuanced swara hierarchies which may display significant gharana-to-gharana variance. Swara-congruent with multiple ragas, including Chayanat, […]
• Raag Bhimpalasi •
S-R-g-m-P-D-n-S Associated with the invigorating warmth of the late afternoon sun, Bhimpalasi evokes multiple shades of shringara (‘romantic love, erotic desire’). Thought to have arisen from an archaic union between Bheem and Palas, the raga calls for direct, passionate melodic outpourings, balancing a deft pentatonic ascent with the symmetry-inducing addition of Re and Dha going […]
• Raag Bhairavi •
S-r-g-m-P-d-n-S Probably the most prominent raga in the entire Hindustani canon, Bhairavi (‘awe, terror’: after the Fifth Avatar of the Mother Goddess) is a concert-closing staple. Unique in its chromatic flexibilities, the raga may span the full swara spectrum, allowing for a multitude of moods in the hands of a master. Long linked to the […]
• Raag Bhairav •
S-r-G-m-P-d-N-S Revered as the primary raga of Lord Shiva, Bhairav takes its name from Kala Bhairava (‘fearsome form’) – an apocalyptic manifestation of the deity fabled to have cut off one of Brahma’s five heads to silence his arrogance. Renditions reflect the gravity of this ancient lore, depicting Shiva’s tandav (‘dance of destruction’) with wide-roving […]
• Raag Basant Mukhari •
S-r-G-m-P-d-n-S Blending the poorvang of Bhairav (SrGm) with the uttarang of Bhairavi (PdnS), Basant Mukhari bears the imprints of multiple musical cultures. While its main modern inception is traceable to S.N. Ratanjankar’s eclectic Carnatic borrowings, some also link it to the near-extinct Raag Hijaz, itself derived from Arabic maqam. Scale-congruent forms turn up across the […]
• Raag Bageshri •
S-R-g-m-P-D-n-S An ancient raga of the late night, Bageshri is associated with vipralambha – the profound shades of longing felt by a separated lover. These sentiments are reflected in its multipolar phraseology: artists may resolve towards Sa for a clustered, inward-turning feel, or towards shuddha ma for a more open, expansive sound – often seen […]
• Raag Asavari •
S-rR-g-m-P-d-n-S An antique late morning raga, Asavari comprises two main variants: an older, Dhrupad-favoured ‘komal re’ form, and a more recent set of ‘shuddha Re’ offshoots. Both call for complex connective motions and expressive oscillations on dha, which may be tuned ati-komal. Classical ragmala paintings often depict Asavari as a female snake-charmer sitting atop a […]
• Raag Antardhwani •
S-r-g-m-d-N-S Among the youngest ragas to have found global acclaim, Antardhwani (‘sound of the inner self’) was unveiled by Shivkumar Sharma in the 1990s, who discovered its unique hexatonic shape by chance while retuning his santoor. Drawing from the geometries of Bhairavi, the raga is adored for its calming, meditative flavours, partly inspired by the […]
• Raag Ahir Bhairav •
S-r-G-m-P-D-n-S Inextricably linked with the Indian sunrise, Ahir Bhairav draws on ideas from both the North and South of the Subcontinent. Possibly named for the Ahir cattle-herding caste, the raga is fabled to mimic the ringing of cowbells at dawn – with patient ascent patterns often settling into extended oscillations on the komal re (seen […]
• Raag Sehera •
S-R-G-M-d-n-S Among the strangest of raga scales, Sehera’s six swaras are all spaced out in two-semitone jumps (akin to the Western Whole-Tone scale and the Carnatic Gopriya). The resulting symmetries summon a curious, centreless mood (also famous as the ‘dream sequence‘ of countless soundtracks) – best explored by sarangiya Sultan Khan, who described Sehera as “the […]
• Raag Shahana •
S-R-g-m-P-D-n-S A late night raga, Shahana (literally: ‘of royal demeanour’) is a close cousin of the more famous Bageshri, sharing the same swaras but focusing more on the use of shuddha Dha as a melodic endpoint. Usually classed as a member of the Kanada family, Deepak Raja notes that Shahana is linked in medieval texts […]
• Raag Rang Malhar •
S-R-g-mM-P-D-nN-S From my 2018 Darbar interview with Rupak Kulkarni: “Rang Malhar happened by chance. It was the rainy season, and I was playing in a monsoon festival. I was the last performer, and by the time my turn came then all types of Malhar family ragas had been played already. I thought I should come […]
• Raag Ramkali •
S-r-G-mM-P-d-nN-S Resembling ‘Bhairav with touches of tivra ma and komal ni in avroh’, Ramkali is an early morning raga, often associated with Sikh saintly traditions (“the emotions in Ramkali are like those of a wise teacher disciplining their student, who is aware of the pain of learning…”). Though generally similar to Bhairav, Ramkali focuses more on […]
• Raag Purba •
S-r-G-mM-P-dD-N-S A rare raga of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana, described by Rajan Parrikar as “essentially Raag Poorvi adorned with bells and whistles” (namely, the Ma-mixing catchphrases Sm, mGP and M, MP Pd, dNdP). Mewati innovator Pandit Jasraj also recorded his own captivating rendition, seasoned by the liberal inclusion of shuddha Dha. Also hear Vilayat Khan on surbahar. […]
• Raag Prabhakali •
S-r-G-m-P-d-n-S A modern Ali Akbar Khan creation, prakriti with Basant Mukhari. As per the liner notes to the raga’s 1964 LP release, “It permits only five notes in aroha, dropping [Ga & Ni]. For avroh, it admits all the seven notes…[re & dha] are flats as in Bhairav, and hence it is essentially a morning melody. […]
• Raag Pancham se Pilu •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-nN-S A murchana rotation of Pilu (literally: ‘Pilu from Pa’) – i.e. if you treat this raga’s Pa as the ‘new Sa’, Pilu is produced (…in its ‘komal dha-less’ form). Pilu’s doubled gG–nN swaras, separated by a Perfect 5th, are thus transformed into Pancham se’s nN–mM (i.e. the murchana’s main effect is to trade Pilu’s […]
• Raag Nat Bhairav •
S-R-G-m-P-d-N-S Associated with Ravi Shankar’s 20th-century experiments (although not, contrary to common perception, directly invented by him), Nat Bhairav is named for its combination of Nat in poorvang and Bhairav in uttarang. Flavours of Bhairav tend to dominate, including an ati-komal dha and vakra phrases resolving with GmRS (adapting Bhairav’s GmrS). Expounded mainly in madhya saptak, its […]
• Raag Mudriki Kanada •
S-R-g-m-P-D-n-S Described by Rajan Parrikar as “an uncommon Kanada variety on which there prevails no consensus”. Formed by “introduc[ing] a shuddha Dha into the Adana stream” (e.g. Ramrang’s rendition) – although “the Agra-Atrauli edition comes in a different flavour, involving…a recurring phrase RmRP” (e.g. Sharafat Hussain Khan). Seemingly unrecorded by non-vocalists. • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search […]
• Raag Monomanjari •
S-r-G-M-P-D-nN-S Created by Maihar sitar legend Nikhil Banerjee (“…I’m quite satisfied with one of my Sonodisc LPs: Raag Monomanjari”). From Narendra Datar’s 1989 review of this record: “A jod raga…a remarkable combination [of] Kalavati and Marwa. Kalavati is a very joyful late night melody, whereas Marwa is an early evening melody that portrays pathos. In […]
• Raag Madhuvanti •
S-R-g-M-P-D-N-S A shringara raga of recent origin, Madhuvanti is geared towards evoking a ‘sweet’ flavour (‘madhu’ means ‘honey’). Rajan Parrikar cites “shared credits for its development…Vilayat Khan is said to have conceived it [in the] 1940s…and around the same time, Vamanrao Padhye of Kolhapur composed a similar raga and called it Ambika, after the Goddess”. […]
• Raag Lalita Gauri •
S-r-G-mM-P-dD-N-S Created by Jaipur-Atrauli vocalist Kesarbai Kerkar, who often employed it as a concert centrepiece. Blending Lalit and Gauri via, respectively, “the close coupling of the two madhyams…[and] appropriate clusters on and in the vicinity of the mandra Ni”, the raga typically takes a shuddha Dha (giving a Poorvi inclination), but can use the komal variant instead […]
• Raag Kirwani •
S-R-g-m-P-d-N-S Despite its congruence with the Western Harmonic Minor, Kirwani has origins in the Carnatic Keeravani: thus leading to its popularity in North-South jugalbandi duets, offering artists from both cultures a rich expanse of shared melodic territory. Like many Southern imports, Kirwani is comparatively ‘open’, allowing for near-free use of all seven swaras in ascent […]
• Raag Khem Kalyan •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-N-S A rare-but-charming raga of the Agra gharana, Khem Kalyan is a Kalyan variant with Hansadhwani-like touches. Deepak Raja recounts decoding its phraseology from old recordings, having failed to find a guru who knew it: “This was no ordinary raga…not even just another rare raga. It was a special raga, perhaps beyond reach without a […]
• Raag Kalingada •
S-r-G-m-P-d-N-S Kalingada shares the same seven swaras as Bhairav, but approaches them differently – preferring a straighter, less ornamented character (as per Rajan Parrikar: “Kalingada has a flippant mien…far less austere than Bhairav. The Ga and Pa are advanced to positions of influence, [and] the swara-lagav is mostly linear, without the andolit treatment prevalent in […]
• Raag Jaunpuri •
S-R-g-m-P-d-n-S Jaunpuri is a late morning raga, likely originating in the Sultanate-era music of Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh. Rajan Parrikar describes it as an “Asavariant”, closely tied to the phraseologies of the Asavari family: some see the ragas as indistinguishable, while others consider Jaunpuri to take more ‘rounded’ melodic shapes, and permit greater use of […]
• Raag Jaun Bhairav •
S-rR-gG-m-P-d-nN-S A jod raga fashioned by Agra vocalist Jagannathbuwa Purohit ‘Gunidas’ (also the creator of Jogkauns and Swanandi), combining Jaunpuri and Bhairav. Described as having a “crowded swara-space”, with both komal and shuddha variants of Re, Ga, and Ni on display. Abhijith Shenoy ‘Abhirang’ offers catchphrases including SRmP; rNSdP; dmPG; PgRS; GmrS. • Raga Megalist […]
• Raag Gujiri Todi •
S-r-g-M-d-N-S A popular Todi variant named for its association with Gujarat, India’s Westernmost state. Linked to the morning hours, it takes a similar swara set to the main Todi, distinguishing itself by omitting Pa throughout. Dagarvani beenkar Bahauddin Dagar chooses to intone the raga’s Sa with a slightly higher sruti than that of the tanpura, adjusted […]
• Raag Gaoti •
S-R-G-m-P-D-n-S Sarodiya Rahul Bhattacharya describes the late-afternoon Gaoti as “an underutilised gem…a pleasant, fulfilled feeling…like enjoying a perfume without actually knowing why it’s so nice”. Also known as ‘Gawati’, the raga is often considered near-identical to Bheem (although strictly speaking, Bheem can be distinguished by its occasional use of komal ga in taar saptak). Straightforward audav […]
• Raag Gagan Vihang •
S-R-G-m-P-D-N-S As per Ocean of Ragas, “composed by Pandit Dinkar Kaikini…in Gagan Vihang we find features of Bihag, Savani, Nand, and Mand, although the raga maintains its independent melody…[via] unique phrases such as: SRPGm, GmRS, NDmP” – while other sources also point to the influence of Shankara. The Agra vocal innovator (also father of tabla […]
• Raag Deen Todi •
S-r-g-m-D-n-S A near-extinct raga of uncertain origin, Deen Todi takes an ‘Ahiri no Pa’ form. Best preserved via an astonishing rendition by Kamalesh Maitra on the tabla tarang (a semicircle of 13 sruti-tuned dayan drums), accompanied by a multiphonic cluster of tanpura drones (tuned DnrS). Parveen Sultana has also sung it live, and seems to have […]
• Raag Darjeeling •
S-r-g-m-P-d-n-S Unveiled by sitarist Niladri Kumar in a 2014 Taj Mahal tea commercial, launching a new Darjeeling-themed range described in marketing materials as “definitely our most premium offering” (Niladri: “I have composed [it] in honour of the superlative flavour”). Status as a ‘real raga’ (rather than just a Mishra Bhairavi) is highly dubious – and […]
• Raag Dagori •
S-R-G-m-P-D-N-S Dagori draws from Bilawal thaat, featuring prominent use of Ni and characteristic slides between ma and Re. Possibly invented by Jaipur-Atrauli founder Alladiya Khan (and still near-exclusively performed by singers of that gharana), some consider the raga to be a Bilawal–ang interpretation of the now-lost Deepak (Tansen’s legendary fire raga). Dagori’s name also resembles that […]
• Raag Bheem •
S-R-gG-m-P-D-n-S Near-identical to Gaoti, Bheem is distinguished by its allowance of komal ga in taar saptak. Tanarang notes that “in uttarang, komal ni is always rendered [via a] meend from Sa, as a kanswar like GmP, (S)nS…Similarly in Avroh, ni is generally skipped like SP/DP“. The vakra GmRS is taken instead of mGRS. (n.b. Parrikar notes the […]
• Raag Bhankari •
S-r-G-mM-P-D-N-S A mega-mix of several ragas, Bhankari originates with Ramashreya Jha ‘Ramrang’, guru of Rajan Parrikar – who describes it as a “tantalizing melody, blend[ing] facets of Bhatiyar, Jait, Bibhas, and Deshkar while retaining an aesthetic coherence in the end product”. To my ears, Bhankari also appears to draw from Marwa (particularly in the weak […]
• Raag Arun Malhar •
S-R-G-m-P-D-nN-S An ancient Malhar variant, marked out by a DDnPDGPm pakad. As per Rajan Parrikar, “although it finds a mention in [Bhatkhande], no details are forthcoming. There are a couple of other works where the raga is treated, but again only in the sketchiest of terms”. Described as a mix of Bilawal, Gaud Malhar, and […]
• Raag Annapurna •
S-r-g-M-P-d-N-S From my 2018 Darbar interview with bansuri maestro Rupak Kulkarni: “I lately composed…Raag Annapurna: dedicated to Maa Annapurna Devi, my grand-guru [teacher of my teacher]. It is a combination of morning and evening ragas, so can be played at either of these times.” In 2022 I asked Kulkarni for more info: he described it […]
• Raag Anand Bhairav •
S-r-G-m-P-D-nN-S As per Rajan Parrikar, “the komal dha in Bhairav is replaced by its shuddha counterpart. The komal ni is parachuted into the scheme in an [avroh phrase] SDnP, inspired by Bilawal (in Bhairav-ang ragas where either re or dha is rendered shuddha, the ma tends to assume a powerful role, and is often elevated to a […]
• Raag Amiri Todi •
S-rR-g-m-P-dD-n-S Created by sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan in 1974, inspired by vocalist Amir Khan. As recounted to Indian Express in 2009: “My love and reverence for Khansaheb does not stem only from his music, but for his truly kind and humble nature. When he died, it appeared as if the light had gone out […]
• Raag Adi Basant •
S-rR-G-m-P-D-N-S An alternate form of the far more prevalent Basant (‘Springtime’), named for its intimate connection to the ceremonies of that season. Many see Adi Basant as the latter’s ancestor, highlighting its historic prevalence in Dhrupad and Haveli Sangeet. Usually played before dawn, Adi Basant remains rare outside of the Dagarvani lineages and associated Dhrupad zones. […]
• Raag Adana •
S-R-g-m-P-d-n-S Though congruent with the swaras of Darbari, Adana favours a “lighter, flittering” treatment: skipping ga in aroha, limiting ornaments on dha, and focusing more on madhya/taar saptak (although the gmRS Kanada signature may reappear in avroh), while some may assign a higher sruti to the komal ni. The raga appears in several 17th-century ragmala […]
• Raag Rangeshwari •
S-R-g-m-P-N-S Like Parameshwari and Gangeshwari, Rangeshwari (‘Lord of Colours’) was created in 1968 via murchana rotation of Ravi Shankar’s Kameshwari (itself dreamed up during a long car journey through Bengal). Resembles a ‘no Dha’ filtering of either Patdeep or Kirwani, although its swara set seems to be unique – with Shankar’s takes tending towards wide-open, poorvang-dominant […]
• Raag Bhatiyar •
S-r-G-mM-P-D-N-S A dawn raga fabled as a creation of Raja Bhartruhari, a mythical King of Ujjain who is said to have abdicated from his life of material wealth and romantic pleasure to pursue a path of ascetic devotion. Somewhat resembling a ‘vakra Marwa with Pa’, Bhatiyar omits or limits re and Ni in aroha – with, […]
• Raag Zila Kafi •
S-R-gG-m-P-D-nN-S A springtime raga described by Satyaki Dutta as “a flow of a thousand feelings…the advent of new beginnings, painted with gleaming colours and shimmering joy”. Its Zila component places greater emphasis on the double-Ga, while the rest of the raga tends to fit into the thumri-allied Mishra Kafi framework. Almost all recordings are on either […]
• Raag Sonakshi •
S-r-G-mM-P-dD-N-S From my 2018 Darbar interview with Maihar bansuri maestro Rupak Kulkarni: “I created Sonakshi [‘Golden-Eyed‘] so I could experience a raga which was suitable for any time of day. I believe we have different mindsets depending on the hour: in the morning our mood is spiritual and fresh, and in the evening it is […]
• Raag Shyam Kalyan •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-N-S Shyam Kalyan is a prachalit Kalyan variant. Ga is used sparingly in ascent, and typically skipped in phrases which run through the scale sequentially – while Re is emphasised, Pa is a resting note, and shuddha ma is taken in descent only. It bears a resemblance to Shuddha Sarang, while being distinguished by the use […]
• Raag Shuddha Kalyan •
S-R-G-M-P-D-N-S A popular early night raga, Shuddha Kalyan ascends with the same 5 swaras as Bhupali (SRGPDS), and descends with the full 7 of Yaman (SNDPMGRS), leading some to title it ‘Bhoop-Kalyan’. Phrases tend to end on the poorvang-slanted Sa, Re, Ga, or Pa – and both the ‘avroh-only’ swaras (Ni & Ma) must be treated subtly […]
• Raag Shivmat Bhairav •
S-r-gG-m-P-d-nN-S Shivmat Bhairav can be described as a blend of Bhairav, Bhairavi, and Todi, with the former being the most dominant over the sound (‘Bhairav double Ga/Ni’). Relatively rare in modern times, the raga brings out Bhairav via GmrS phrases and oscillations on the komal re – while also incorporating komal ga and ni in […]
• Raag Viyogavarali •
S-r-g-m-d-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —K.G. Ginde (~1980s)— https://www.parrikar.org/music/todi/ginde_viyogavarali.mp3 [bandish, e.g. 0:02] dmg\r (g)rS, md(SN)S N\d, gr (g)r r\S; (S)r r(gr) Srm md(NSrS)g rS, (g)r (g)r (r)S; dmg\r (g)rS… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also […]
• Raag Virat Bhairav •
S-r-G-m-P-dD-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Dinkarbuwa Panshikar (2019)— [alap, e.g. 0:17] nSS n/rSnd, dnSrS rS(dn)S, Srr, r(SrSnSndnS)r, nnS(rSnS)r, (G)r (Gr)r, n(D) n(D) S(nr) n(r), nn(Snd), dnS nS, n n(DS)n\D(d) nS, nS nDnS… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, […]
• Raag Vijayanagari •
S-R-g-M-P-D-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Malini Rajurkar (~1980s)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: Audav […]
• Raag Vihang •
S-r-G-mM-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Nivrutibuwa Sarnaik (~1970s)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: Audav […]
• Raag Tilang Bahar •
S-R-gG-m-P-D-nN-S A sparsely-recorded form which uses all the swaras of both Tilang and Bahar, appraised by Tanarang as “a fine blend of the two melodies…both [ragas] provide sweet tonal embellishment” (who gives characteristic phrases of GmPm; GmRS; mDNS; DNSRS; SnPmG; mPm; DNSnP; GmRS). Kirana singer R.D. Jadhav’s performance (described on the cover as a “bright […]
• Raag Tilak Malhar •
S-R-G-m-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ramashreya Jha ‘Ramrang’ (2007)— [bandish, e.g. 0:56] SRP(DnPmG), GRS, GR, GR(GRSR)mGRS, SRP(DSPmG), GRS, GR… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 […]
• Raag Tilak Bhairav •
S-rR-G-m-P-dD-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Dhruv Tara Joshi (~1960s)— [alap, e.g. 0:30] N(RSN) (P)S, SGR, Rm(P)G, G(RSG)R G, (S)G, (Pm)G\r S; S(m)R m(G)P(G), P(GmG)d P, Pd(mPm), PD mP(mG), S(G)RG\r S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more […]
• Raag Tanseni Madhuvanti •
S-R-g-M-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Bhimsen Joshi (1980)— [refrain, e.g. 3:04] (M)DP M\g (gR)S M, MPP, (M)DP M\g (R)S M(g), (MPM)DP M\g (gR)S M(g), MP… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag […]
• Raag Tankeshree •
S-r-G-M-P-d-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Omkarnath Thakur (~1960s)— [refrain, e.g. 0:09] rS(rS)N SG(Gr), (P)G/P(MG), (P)G G(Gr) (S)PGP(G), G(Gr), (S)PGP, GrS, NNd, (N)dNd SN(Sr), S(d) dP(GPG), SGP, GrS… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the […]
• Raag Swanandi •
S-R-G-m-P-D-N-S Fashioned by Agra vocalist Jagannathbuwa Purohit ‘Gunidas’ (also the creator of Jogkauns and Jaun Bhairav), fusing material from Bhatiyar, Bihag, and Bhinna Shadja into an engrossing new whole. Bhatiyar forms the main base, with its phrases being reworked to match the swaras of Bilawal thaat (e.g. PGRS; SD NDP, PDPm), with Bhinna Shadja contributing […]
• Raag Suha Todi •
S-r-g-m-P-dD-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ali Akbar Khan (1978)— [drut gat, e.g. 14:14] nnPmP, S Sn\P, mP, (m\)g/mrS; nnPmP, S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | […]
• Raag Suha (Kanada) •
S-R-g-m-P-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Manilal Nag (1985)— [refrain, e.g. 20:09] RR g(mgPmgm) R(g) R(g) S, n(Sn) SR(gS)R g(mgmgmg), R(gRgRgR), S, n(RS) S(gR) g(m), R(SR) nS(RSn), P(nP)… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the […]
• Raag Sughrai •
S-R-g-m-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Govind Rao Dantale (1959)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: […]
• Raag Sorath •
S-R-G-m-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Gurmeet Singh Shant (2021)— [refrain, e.g. 1:06] Gm\SRGPN, NNS(RS) n\D(P)P; Gm\SRGPN, NNS(RS) n\D(P)P; Gm\SRGPN… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 […]
• Raag Sohini Pancham •
S-r-G-mM-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Nisha Nigalye-Parasnis (1990)— [alap, e.g. 0:08] (S)G, MGr(SN)S, SGMP (PM)P, (MP)GmG, GmP(DP)S (ND)N, N(DSNSr) (SN)S (ND)ND G(mG)P GP, (Gm)G, (S)MG, M(GMG)rS; MGrS… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the […]
• Raag Sohini •
S-r-G-M-D-N-S Sharing its six swaras with Marwa and Puriya, Sohini aims for a looser, more sprightly flavour to these more famous congruents – focusing on agile movements in madhya and taar saptaks, and uttarang-based phrases built on a strong Dha–Ga sangati. Re is banned in aroha, and Sa assumes greater strength than in Marwa, while […]
• Raag Sindhura •
S-R-g-m-P-D-nN-S A Kafi ally with corresponding light-classical popularity, marked out by the explicit use of double-Ni and the frequent omission of ga in aroha. Described by Tanarang as “a light flittering melody…best suited for thumri, tappa, and hori” (evident in an intriguing violin take by Allauddin Khan: later reworked by Ravi Shankar, and also by […]
• Raag Simhendra Madhyamam •
S-R-g-M-P-d-N-S Borrowed from a South Indian ragam (melakarta scale #57), Simhendra Madhyamam takes the form of a ‘Kirwani tivra Ma’, ‘Todi shuddha Re’, or ‘Madhuvanti komal Dha’. Despite the popularity of its Carnatic congruent (hailed by Charulatha Mani as “regal, meditative, bold, and striking”), the raga remains relatively rare in the North – with its […]
• Raag Shukla Bilawal •
S-R-G-mM-P-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Manjiri Asnare-Kelkar (2016)— [refrain, e.g. 3:26] GGm, m(Gm), mG(RS), G(mG)m m(DP) (D)G (P)m, G(RGR) Gm; m\R m\R R/P, (GD)P (DP)DPm, G(mPm)G, SG Gm… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see […]
• Raag (Shuddha) Chaya •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Soumya Chakraverty (2018)— [refrain, e.g. 3:10] D, D PP(M)P, PmR G m DPGGm R, (S)NN S, D, D… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 […]
• Raag Shuddha Basant •
S-r-G-M-P-d-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Kushal Das (2014)— [refrain, e.g. 0:10] D(SNR)S N(D), (NS)S (Gm)m D(SNR) (N)S N(D), M, m… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | […]
• Raag Shree Kalyan •
S-r-G-M-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Bhuvanesh Komkali (2016)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: Audav […]
• Raag Shivawanti •
S-R-g-M-P-D-S A barely-documented modern creation of sitar and surbahar legend Imrat Khan – kindly brought to my attention by his former student Chris Stephens via the Chandrakantha forum: “In regard to the ‘idiosyncratic’ Etawah ragas, here’s a video of [Khan] playing Shivawanti, which he described as a combination of Madhuvanti and Shivranjani. I captured this […]
• Raag Shankara Karan •
S-R-G-M-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ali Akbar Khan (1997)— [bandish themes, e.g. 3:23] N\D/S N\P P\GPG, SNS N\D/SN\P P\GPG; N\PP NNS(NS), PGPG\S, NS/P\G, PDN S\n\P, P/n(Pm) P, P/N(P)S N\P, GPG\S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more […]
• Raag Sazgiri •
S-r-G-mM-P-dD-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Fateh Ali Khan (~1980s)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: […]
• Raag Savani •
S-R-G-m-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Narayanrao Bodas (2016)— [refrain, e.g. 3:16] Gm(G)P mP G (R)S, (SN)S S(NRS) S, R\N S, G m G, G(mGPmG)m P/S(NRSN)S, S\P P\G, Gm/D mP(G), G (Gm)P (m)P G (R)S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana […]
• Raag Saurashtra (Bhairav) •
S-r-G-m-P-dD-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Abhijith Shenoy ‘Abhirang’ (2021)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: […]
• Raag Saraswati Kedar •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Prakash Vishwanath Ringe (2000)— http://www.tanarang.com/Bandishen/Saraswati-Kedar/Sadra%20-%20Chatur%20Balma%20aayo%20mandirwa%20-%20Jhaptl%20%20Vilambit%20-%20PVR.mp3 [bandish, e.g. 0:25] (G)RMP, D(N)R S(NnDn), DPDP, PM(DP)m, SRRS, m\R RP(MP) MP, N\D D/R S\n, DP, (M)RMP, D(N)R S(NnDn)… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also […]
• Raag Sanjh Saravali •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Vilayat Khan (2000)— [gat, e.g. 0:34] (G)P, (P)G, (G)R G, G(m)G, (RN)S, N R G M, M(DP) G, S, N, NS, N(Sn)DP, DP, PD(NS), (G)P, (P)G… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & […]
• Raag Sampurna Malkauns •
S-R-g-m-P-d-n-S More of an umbrella term for assorted ‘sampurna-modified Malkauns’ renditions than a specific raga (i.e. with Re and Pa added, thus completing the sapta swara). As per Deepak Raja: “Amongst the various manifestations of the concept, the most celebrated is that of Kesarbai Kerkar…[which] uses nine swaras [SRgGmPdDnS] instead of the minimum seven. Its […]
• Raag Roopkali •
S-rR-G-mM-P-d-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Khadim Hussain Khan (1970s)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: […]
• Raag Rati Bhairav •
S-r-G-m-P-dD-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Kumar Gandharva (~1980s)— [refrain, e.g. 18:18] m, (G)m (G)r\S, G, m, PD(N)S, S(nDnPm), m(PDnDnP) G(mG)G\r(G)S, S\d, N S, m, m(P)… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag […]
• Raag Rampriya •
S-r-G-M-P-D-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Amir Khan (~1960s)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: Audav […]
• Raag Ramdasi Malhar •
S-R-gG-m-P-D-nN-S A diverse sankirna raga, fabled as a creation of Guru Ram Das – a 16th-century Sikh saint said to have opened Emperor Akbar’s eyes to the unity of the divine (“these jagirs [feudal land grants] are sources of evil passions, pride, and ego…it is by the name of God that all creatures, continents, worlds, […]
• Raag Raj Kalyan •
S-R-G-M-D-N-S A ‘Kalyan no Pa’ melody devised by Gwalior vocal innovator Vasantrao Deshpande (although he may well have seen it more like a ‘Marwa shuddha Re’). Parrikar describes how “the relief-inducing nyas on Pa is missing, giving a ‘restive’ persona”, while Ocean of Ragas gives a pakad of GmD, DmGR, NRS (also noting its congruence […]
• Raag Raisa Kanada •
S-R-g-m-P-D-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Manjiri Asnare-Kelkar (2012)— [motifs, e.g. 0:35] n(DSnDn)P, mPDn S\D/n\P, (P)S\mP m\g, (m)gm, m m/n\P/S(n), R(g)S R\nS, (P)nP, P(nmP) m(gm), m(nmP), m\gm, RSR… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the […]
• Raag Rageshri Kanada •
S-R-gG-m-P-D-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Rahimuddin Khan Dagar (1990)— [alap, e.g. 0:05] (n)S, (D)S, n(SnSnS)S, (S)GR(GR) SS, SR(Gg)G, G(g)R S, DR (Sn)DnS(nD), G, S(n)S G, (nSn)S S, n(Sn) S(nSDP), mmGG, GmP (S)n S(n), S(nD) (nR)S, (R)S R(nSPn) n(DP), PmmG, GmP (PS)n, (SnSn)n S… • Classifiers • […]
• Raag Rageshri Bahar •
S-R-gG-m-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —V.R. Athavale (1988)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: Audav […]
• Raag Rageshri •
S-R-G-m-D-n-S Working along the lines of a ‘shuddha Ga Bageshri with shades of Khamaj’, Rageshri enjoys popularity among vocalists and instrumentalists alike. Like Bageshri, Re is often weak in ascent, and the ma–Dha sangati is strong – while (unlike Bageshri) Pa is varjit throughout, bringing consistent prominence to the shuddha ma (which is often used to […]
• Raag Purva •
S-r-G-M-P-d-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ajoy Chakraborty (2015)— [refrain, e.g. 1:42] MMdN, dN, dP, (M)PP P(MdP) MGM(G)rG rSS, NSG G(G)rGG, MP(rN) N(Nd)NdP, MMdN, dN, dP… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag […]
• Raag Puriya Kalyan •
S-r-G-M-P-D-N-S Effectively combining the poorvang of Puriya Dhanashree with the uttarang of Yaman, Puriya Kalyan covers the seven swaras of Marwa thaat. Pa is prominent in descent, but may be skipped in Kalyanic ascending passages such as MDNS – and Sa is often omitted in both upward and downward motions, with mandra saptak Ni favoured as […]
• Raag Prabhateshwari •
S-r-g-m-P-D-n-S A seldom-heard raga created by bansuriya Hariprasad Chaurasia, which (to my ears) resembles a blend of the morning Ahir Bhairav and the late night Bageshri. His student Rajendra Teredesai describes it as having “all the hues…beautiful, complex, yet spiritually uplifting…full of pathos and bhakti ras…a state of perpetual divine bliss”. Prakriti with Ahiri, the raga […]
• Raag Prabhat (Bhairav) •
S-r-G-mM-P-d-N-S A morning form summarised by Bose as “a combination of three or four ragas dominated by the Bhairav-ang…with a touch of Lalit-ang only in the avroh (where both Ma come together)…The vadi Ma separates Prabhat Bhairav from Bhairav, while Pa keeps it away from Lalit” (also see the congruent-but-distinct Lalit Pancham). Pakad include GmG; rSrS; […]
• Raag Patdeepaki •
S-R-gG-m-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande (2020)— [bandish, e.g. 4:23] S(NS)mg (RS)R NS, S, (N)SS (N)SS, NS(gRgRSRSNS)N (D)NS (NS), PN(N)S S; SS G(m)m, mm(GmG) P(GmGmRmG)G, GGm(G)g/m (R)S, NRSN(SPNS), PN(N)S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more […]
• Raag Pat Bihag •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Yunus Hussain Khan (1998)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: […]
• Raag Paraj Kalingada •
S-r-G-mM-P-d-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Kedar & Narayanrao Bodas (2017)— [refrain, e.g. 0:36] N, dP, GmG, N(rSNS) N(N)d N, dP, (P)GmG Md dr(SN)S N(N)d N, dP, (P)GmG (G)M GrS… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also […]
• Raag Paraj •
S-r-G-mM-P-d-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ulhas Kashalkar (2011)— [bandish, e.g. 1:52] dNS, S(rN) S(N) N(SN) (N)d (dP)P (Pd), P(MP)M, d (NSNr)S, S(NS), (rSN) dNS; S(rN)S, PdP, GmG, dNS… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see […]
• Raag Pancham se Gara •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ravi Shankar (1967)— [refrain, e.g. 0:57] (S)NN N(S) N(SN), D(ND) D(PM)P, M(PM) MMP D(SnS) D(SD) P(MP), G m(G) P… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): […]
• Raag Pancham •
S-r-G-mM-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Pournima Dhumale (2020)— [refrain, e.g. 21:22] N(R)N (DP)DP, S (SN)S, SS(SNSRSRSN)N, PSN(RPNPRDR)D, (DP)D P, P\Gm, S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 […]
• Raag Niranjani Todi •
S-r-g-mM-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Raghunandan Panshikar (2010)— [bandish, e.g. 0:47] S(g)rm, P(DP) D(P), (m)D Pm, Sm(gPmgm) g\r(gr) g(rg)S, D(nDS) (nD)n D, (S)n (S)n/S S, SS (Sg)r (g)r (r)g\r r\SS, S(g)r r/m, (S)mm m(PmDPnDnP)m, g\r rS… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic […]
• Raag Neelambari •
S-R-gG-m-P-D-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Omkarnath Thakur (~1960s)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: Audav […]
• Raag Nayaki Kanada •
S-R-g-m-P-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Shashwati Mandal (2014)— [alap, e.g. 0:58] (nS)R, RRSnSnSR m\g(R) m\g(mgmg)m, m(Pm)P\m mPm/n(Pn)P, m(mnPmPmP)S, (n)S nPn P(m), mPn(Pn)P, P(SnS)nP nPmP, nPm(Pm)nPmP m\g m(g) m(g) g(mg)m… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also […]
• Raag Nat Kamod •
S-R-G-m-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Shruti Sadolikar (2020)— [refrain, e.g. 1:01] R(mRm)RS R(mPnDn) PmRS R, S(mRmR) SRP mP\m, P(nDnD)P m(GmGR)G, (RG)m, m(DPDP)mP mm G, (R)G G(mGmG)P m(Pm)G (R)m (GmR)R; R(mRm)RS R(mPnDn) PmRS R… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, […]
• Raag Nat Bihag •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Waseem Ahmed Khan (2021)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: […]
• Raag (Shuddha) Nat •
S-R-G-m-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ulhas Kashalkar (2015)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: Audav […]
• Raag Nand (Anandi) •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Budhaditya Mukherjee (2019)— [gat, e.g. 1:29] SGm/D D(PMP), (G)RR S, (N)S, G, G (P)mG (G)P, P(GP) P(MP) D(PMP), GmP D(NPDN) N(DP) D(M) P(MP), P(G)Gm/D(PMP), (G)RR S, S G… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, […]
• Raag Nagadhwani Kanada •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Pandit Jasraj (1977)— [bandish, e.g. 0:58] P(nPn) m(Pm) m(Pmn) n(Pm) g(mgSn) nS, m\g m m(gm)P (m)gm, n(P)P; n(Pm)g g(Pm) m(g)m, m(g) n(S), mmm m(n)P m(g)m; P P/RR, S N(SN)S, D(nDnSnSR) R(SNSnDnDPD)G, (G)P D n S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga […]
• Raag Meghranjani •
S-r-G-mM-N-S As per Abhirang’s performance notes (on his recording of the Pyaari Pyaari Batiyaan bandish), Meghranjani’s swara set is formed by removing the komal dha from Lalit. This produces an even stranger scale form, with two consecutive generic swaras – Pa & Dha – being omitted (a truly rare feature: as far as I can discern, […]
• Raag Medhavi •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ali Akbar Khan (1967)— [motifs, e.g. 6:14] (N)SN/S D/NP D/N, D, D, (G)mP, D(NSRS)N, RG(m)m, GR RG G(RS), N(SNSND), D… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag […]
• Raag Maru Bihag •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-N-S Despite its A-list status (Deepak Raja’s Ragascape research lists it as the 13th most-performed raga), Maru Bihag is a relatively recent invention, at least in its own right – Parrikar notes that “Thakurdas speaks of an older Raag Maru as its progenitor…[but] the Maru Bihag in currency is widely acknowledged to be a product […]
• Raag Manjari Bihag •
S-R-G-m-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Aslam Khan (1989)— [refrain, e.g. 26:36] PNS G\R\S, N(S)N(D)N(S) NDP, PNS G\R\S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 […]
• Raag Manj Khamaj •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ravi Shankar (1969)— [theme, e.g. 11:13] GmG RS(R), n(S) S(RS) n(S) D, DnSG m, S(NS)N(S), P/nD(P), (m)GmG RS, Gm Pm… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag […]
• Raag Mangal Todi •
S-r-g-mM-P-d-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Shounak Abhisheki (2021)— [bandish, e.g. 5:15] Sr/m grgr, (S)r grS (Sd)nd S; SrgM(dMd) dd, dd(MGrGMdn)S nrS(nSnd) M(dMgrSrg)m, mm/nd(M) g(Mg)r S/r, g\S, nd S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see […]
• Raag Mangal Gujari •
S-r-g-M-d-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Abhijith Shenoy ‘Abhirang’ (2014)— [refrain, e.g. 2:02] (gM)g M(dM) (gMdM)d d(MdMdnd), Sgd\M(dM) M(dM) M\g, M(grg)r r(gMrg)rS S, (SrgMdM)d g(rgS), (MgM)g M(dM) (ndn)d… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the […]
• Raag Mangal Bhairav •
S-r-G-m-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ronu Majumdar (2013)— [motifs, e.g. 11:11] S(D)S(D)S SDPDS; PDrrS(NS), (P)DrrS… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 […]
• Raag Mand •
S-R-G-m-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Sultan Khan (1991)— [refrain, e.g. 1:04] GP N/SS S, N(SNRS) N\D DP, N(SNDP)DP; GP G/SS S, N(SNR) N\D DP… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): […]
• Raag Maluha (Kalyan) •
S-R-G-m-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Nikhil Banerjee (~1980s)— [gat, e.g. 18:54] S(NSN) R S(NSD), (n)D, mPD (N)S; S(NSN) RG(RGm) G R(GRS), N(RSNS), n(DnDnD), D mPD, S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full […]
• Raag Malti Basant •
S-r-G-mM-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ulhas Kashalkar (2015)— [bandish, e.g. 1:44] S(NrN)S/M G(MGr)S, DN(S)ND, DNrS, S, S(rSNS) N(D), NrS, S(NS)m (MmMmG)G, SGM/N\DMG, (S)MGS, S(NrS)MG, S(NS) DN, D(ND)… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the […]
• Raag Maligoura •
S-r-G-M-P-dD-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ali Akbar Khan (1989)— [theme, e.g. 10:58] P P N(D), D(P), P(M), (G)r G, GMPP, P P, N(D), D(P), P(M), (G)r G, SrS P, P… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more […]
• Raag Malgunji •
S-R-gG-m-P-D-n-S Roughly describable as a ‘Khamaj–ang Bageshri with a Rageshri-like shuddha Ga in aroha’, Malgunji is a multicoloured form, beloved by Gwalior vocalists (as well as Maihar sitarist Nikhil Banerjee). Some artists also feature a vivadi of shuddha Ni (often as mDNS, likely indicating the influence of Gara). Tanarang, aiming to evoke a “deep atmosphere”, […]
• Raag Malayalam •
S-R-G-m-P-d-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ali Akbar Khan (1977)— [refrain, e.g. 20:15] G G, n\dPmP, (G)m, (mPG)m, G, GG G\R, S n\d… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | […]
• Raag Malavi •
S-r-G-M-P-D-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Manjiri Asnare-Kelkar (2020)— [refrain, e.g. 1:08] SS(NS)G, (SGMG)M/ND (DND)S, SS, D(ND) S(D)SS, (rS)r r(Sr)S, S(NSD) S(NS)M S(D), D/S(DPDMP)G P(MPD)P P\G… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag […]
• Raag Madhukant •
S-R-g-M-P-D-n-S An oddly-shaped and thinly-analysed sampurna raga, taking the shape of ‘Madhuvanti’s poorvang + Kafi’s uttarang’ (or ‘Kafi tivra Ma’). Analysed by Jairazbhoy in 1971: “Ragas in which the Pa has a leading note [MP], while the Sa does not [nS]…Madhukauns and Madhukant are both modern ragas which appear to be evolving rapidly…Madhukant [is] unstable […]
• Raag Lilavati •
S-r-G-m-P-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Dilshad Khan (1995)— [refrain, e.g. 0:56] Sn(S)r, (r)nS/m, m(PGmG), Sn(S)r, (r)nS/m m(GmrG), Sn(S)r… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | […]
• Raag Lankeshwari •
S-R-gG-m-P-D-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Chand Khan (~1960s)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: Audav […]
• Raag Lankeshri Kanada •
S-r-g-m-d-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Latafat Hussain Khan (~1980s)— [refrain, e.g. ] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | […]
• Raag Lanka Dahan Sarang •
S-R-g-m-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Rajeev Taranath (2009)— [jor, e.g. 5:14] RmPPP, PPP, P/nnn, n n(DPD) D(P)P, RmP(nP) m(RSn) SR g/mRS; R(PmP)P, R(mRm)m, R n(DP)P, D(n)n, nS/R, n/S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see […]
• Raag Lalita Sohini •
S-r-G-mM-D-N-S A blend of the early-morning Lalit and late-night Sohini, with the melodies of the latter dominating the aural impression, reportedly created by Agra vocalist Yunus Ahmed Khan in the mid-20th century. Raja notes that “while Sohini is a resident of the upper tetrachord, Lalit is a resident of the lower tetrachord. Thus, the resulting melodic entity […]
• Raag Lalit Pancham •
S-r-G-mM-P-d-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Kishori Amonkar (2000)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: Audav […]
• Raag Lakshmi Todi •
S-rR-gG-m-P-dD-n-S A complex multi-melodic blend named after the Hindu goddess of power, beauty, prosperity, and good fortune (Lakshmi: ‘she who leads to the goal’) – which imports the movements of several other ragas into a general Todi framework. Abhirang’s breakdown discusses “shades of Jaunpuri (RmPSdP; nSRndP), Dev Gandhar (RnSRGm), Gaud (SRGmGm; mGRGm), Kafi (RmPDnS), Gandhari […]
• Raag Lakshmi Kalyan •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Deepak Kshirsagar (2019)— [alap phrases, e.g. 4:56] G\R(GR) P\M(PM), (P)MP/N N(DP), R(MR)P (M)P/S\N, S(NSN)S, (M)P/N\S, S S, S(NS), P/S(NSN)R, R R, P/S(NSN)R S(NS) N, P(MPM)D M(PMPM)m(G), G(mGmG)… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, […]
• Raag Lachari Todi •
S-R-gG-m-P-dD-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Amjad Ali Khan (2022)— [motifs, e.g. 2:48] RnSRG, G(m), G(mR), (G)m, m, m(GP), P(D) m(P) m(gR), R; P/n n\P, P(d) m(P), m(gR), m P/S n\d, n\d(P) P; P/g S/R, S/g S/R, R\S S(nSP), P(S)n, n/S, n(dP) P; m\R mP(n), D, D, […]
• Raag Lachari Kanada •
S-R-gG-m-P-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Latafat Hussain Khan (~1960s)— [refrain, e.g. 0:16] G, Gm(G), S S(mRPmD)P, (P)SNS, (N)S nPn\PP, mPnPm\G, (Gm)P P(G)mR, SRG(mG), m/n(Pn)P, m/n(mPGmS)g (S)g(RgR)S(NS), S(mGPmnP)N S(NS)P n(PmPmg) (P)Gmg(S), G… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & […]
• Raag Kukubh Bilawal •
S-R-G-m-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ulhas Kashalkar (1993)— [alap, e.g. 0:05] G, m(GR) (GR)G (RS)S, S\n D P, (P)N, (N)S; (NS)G G mGR(GR)G RS(NRS), (NS)G mm, mG (GmG)P PP, D(P) D(P) (DP)D Pmm G(mGRG), G(RGmG)PmG mG(m)R, (SNRSN)S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, […]
• Raag Khat Todi •
S-r-g-mM-P-d-nN-S In Parrikar’s summary, Khat Todi is described as an “uncommon [double-Ma] prakar…mostly sung by Jaipur-Atrauli and Agra musicians. In the main body of Todi, a small phrase of Khat is introduced” (i.e. the raga is more like ‘Todi seasoned with Khat’ rather than a more evenly-weighted combo). He cites two different Khat strains used by […]
• Raag Khat •
S-rR-gG-m-P-dD-n-S Often described as one of the most complex Hindustani forms, Khat (Sanskrit: ‘six’) is said to combine six different ragas – although it remains unclear precisely which they may be (Subbha Rao’s Raga Nidhi cites either “Suha, Kanada, Sarang, Desi, Gandhari, & Sughrai” or “Ramkali, Asavari, Todi, Gujiri, Baradi, & Gandhari“). Often, Asavari is […]
• Raag Khambavati •
S-R-G-m-P-D-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Kesarbai Kerkar (~1950s)— [swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: Audav […]
• Raag Khamaj •
S-R-G-m-P-D-n-S Among the most popular light-classical ragas, Khamaj’s core form matches the ultra-versatile Mixolydian Mode of Western music. Despite being chosen by Bhatkhande as the titular raga of Khamaj thaat, renditions will usually draw on melodic combinations from outside these main seven swaras. Jairazbhoy discusses the evolution of these ‘mishra‘ features as a natural outgrowth […]
• Raag Kamod •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-N-S An intricate raga which draws together elements from many others (Tanarang: “this dynamic melody is rather complex…one can see clear shadows of Malhar [SmRP], Hameer [GmDP], and Kalyan [SRS, SDP], together with glimpses of Kedar [MPDP] and Chayanat [PDPS, SRS]”). Distinguishing sequences include RRP, GmPGmRS, the taar Sa is accentuated with long P/S slides, […]
• Raag Kambhoji •
S-R-G-m-P-D-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Wasifuddin Dagar (2009)— [refrain, e.g. 0:56] GG, G(mGm)R, SS SGR(GR)G, G(m)R, SSS, SRS\n(Dn), P/S, S(n) S(nSDnD), P(DnD), (S)DD D, (n)D DnDP, DP SD/S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see […]
• Raag Kalashri •
S-R-G-m-P-D-n-S Introduced by Kirana legend Bhimsen Joshi by combining Kalavati and Rageshri to span the full seven swaras of Khamaj thaat. His renditions draw mostly from the former raga, setting a strong Pa and recurring GPD movements in an audav aroha, with Rageshri’s imprint mainly evident in the vakra avroh phrase GmRnS (which helps to […]
• Raag Kabiri Bhairav •
S-r-G-m-P-dD-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Mallikarjun Mansur (1968)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: Audav […]
• Raag Jayant Malhar •
S-R-gG-m-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ulhas Kashalkar (2018)— [motifs, e.g. 3:50] RGmG(R), GRG, G mG(R), G(R), G(RGR), RPm\R m(gmg), m(gPmgm) R(SNSN)R, S(NR)mRP, P(mP)n m(R) m\g R(g)mRS, RGmG(R)… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the […]
• Raag Jaiwanti Todi •
S-r-g-m-P-D-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Pandit Jasraj (~1990s)— [refrain, e.g. 0:18] r(S) D(nD), g\r(gr)S rm, PDP(mPm) m(g) g(r) r(S)S, r(S) D(nD), g\r(gr)S rm… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 […]
• Raag Jaitashree •
S-r-G-M-P-d-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ulhas Kashalkar (2015)— [bandish, e.g. 1:13] SG (M)G/P, P(MPM)d PMG r, SrN\d P; S(M)G (P)G/P, P(MP), P(MPM)d dM MG Gr, S(NSMGMG)P P(MdPMG) M(GM), GrS G… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more […]
• Raag Jaijaiwanti Nat •
S-R-gG-m-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Bhimsen Joshi (1997)— [refrain, e.g. 2:07] (S)G mGR, (GR)G RS, PNR(NP), (S)G\R (GR)S, S/G, G(mG)G/m GR (GR)S, (S)G\R, R… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): […]
• Raag Jaijaiwanti •
S-R-gG-m-P-D-nN-S A much-beloved but highly intricate raga, featuring both variants of Ga and Ni. Dhrupadyas hold NSDNR as the essential pakad (with some bemoaning the loss of the “slow glide from Ga to Re…as the distinguishing feature of Jaijaiwanti”) – while modern performers tend to ‘enclose’ the komal ga in the avroh phrase RgR, preferring […]
• Raag Imratkauns •
S-R-G-m-d-n-S Devised by Imdadkhani sitar and surbahar virtuoso Imrat Khan, with a swara set resembling ‘Charukeshi no Pa’. This mid-scale space gives a strong poorvang–uttarang separation, amidst the strange geometric regularity of the consecutive ‘2-2-2-2’ run (dnSRG: just a ma-to-Ma nudge from matching the whole-tone scale, a.k.a. Sehera). Ga is strong throughout, often setting up […]
• Raag Hussaini Todi •
S-R-g-m-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Vinayak Athavale (~1990s)— [refrain, e.g. 0:42] NS, S, (SN)RS S\n D(P)D PDNS, S, D (n)PDNS, (SRN)S, (SNSR)S S\nD PDNS, S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag […]
• Raag Hussaini Kanada •
S-R-g-m-P-D-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Pandit Jasraj (~1990s)— [bandish, e.g. 1:11] (P)mP P(DnD)S, n\PP P(mPmn)m\g m, m(nDn)P PP; mPDnSS, S S(nS)D, (nR)S S(RnS)S, P m(Pmgm), mPDnSS… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full […]
• Raag Hemavati •
S-R-g-M-P-D-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Hariprasad Chaurasia (1998)— [refrain, e.g. 12:23] (R)gR n(Dn)P S, gMP S, PnSgR(gR) n(DnD)P, (R)g(RSn)R, (R)gR n(Dn)P S, gMP S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): […]
• Raag Hemant •
S-R-G-m-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Abhishek & Praashekh Borkar (2019)— [themes, e.g. 1:31] NSDNS G, (G)R, S, NSDNS G, mm, mPN\DDD… D/NNN… N\DDD… (N)DNN/S, SS, SS… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full […]
• Raag Hem Bihag •
S-R-G-m-P-D-N-S Often cited as an invention of Ravi Shankar, Hem Bihag was in fact devised by his teacher Allauddin Khan – as noted by Shankar & Ali Akbar Khan when they chose it to open a tribute concert just a few weeks on from their guru’s 1972 death, at the reputed age of 110 (below: […]
• Raag Hanskinkini •
S-R-gG-m-P-D-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Soumik Datta (2018)— [gat, e.g. 12:04] PPnn D(n)PP, SGmP, (m)g RR(S)nS… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | […]
• Raag Hansa Narayani •
S-r-G-M-P-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Bismillah Khan (1996)— [motifs, e.g. 1:18] (S)P MGM(PM) GrS; SP, PSS(NS)rS (Sr)GrS… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 […]
• Raag Hameer •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Budhaditya Mukherjee (2017)— [gat, e.g. 0:42] (P)MPD, (P)MPG, RRGm N\D, (N)D, P, (P)MP P(SNS), N(SNS)D P(MP), P(G)R R(GmDPMP), (P)G/mR S, (P)MPD, (P)MPG, RRGm N\D… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also […]
• Raag Gunjikauns •
S-R-G-m-P-d-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Sarahang (?)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: Audav | […]
• Raag Gunji Kanada •
S-R-gG-m-P-d-n-S A Gwalior gharana favourite which blends Malgunji and Kaunsi Kanada, principally via inserting the former’s RnSRG, Gm phrase into the broader framework of the latter – although some sources also cite the vital influences of Adana and Bahar (e.g. mDnS). Modern renditions tend to take the komal dha, although a shuddha-Dha variant has also […]
• Raag Gaurimanjari •
S-rR-G-mM-P-d-nN-S An intricate ten-toned raga created by Ali Akbar Khan via blending ideas from across the Lalit–Gauri spectrum (Gaurimanjari: ‘Bouquet of Gauris’) – notable for its winding melodic motions and dense, crowded swara-space (some renditions employ all specific positions except komal ga). Its core form also possesses the ultra-rare property of rotational symmetry (i.e. the […]
• Raag Gauri Basant •
S-r-G-M-P-d-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Kumar Gandharva (1974)— [refrain, e.g. 2:27] PP(GP) Gr, G rS, PP(GP) Gr, G; PP(GP) Gr, G; GP(d) (d)P P(MPG)… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): […]
• Raag Gauri •
S-r-G-m-P-d-N-S Described by Deepak Raja as “difficult to render in its purity”, Gauri is associated with viraha shringara (‘the piety arising from the separation of lovers’). The raga had at least two distinct forms as far back as the 16th century, and continues to manifest in several variations – spanning a main Bhairav-ang ‘shuddha ma‘ […]
• Raag Gaudgiri Malhar •
S-R-g-m-P-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Pandit Jasraj (~1980s)— [refrain, e.g. 0:56] m(R)R (S)n n(m), mmm P (PmP) m\g(mgm); m(RSnS)R R(S)n n(m), mmm P (PnP) m\g(mgm); RRR(Sn) n(m), mmm P… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also […]
• Raag Gaud Sarang •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Kumar Mardur (2014)— [alap phrases, e.g. 0:06] (RSPMD)P(MP) P(MPMD) P(MP)m G, S(NSN)G (m)G (m)GRG (mGRGR)m G(mG), P(mGPG)P (M)P… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 […]
• Raag Gaud Malhar •
S-R-G-m-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Kishori Amonkar (2003)— [refrain, e.g. 0:47] mP P(DPDPmPDSNS), (SDP)mR m, (m)RS, R(N)S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 […]
• Raag Gara •
S-R-gG-m-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ravi Shankar (2001)— [refrain, e.g. 1:12] (SNS)N S(mR) R(mgmgRgRS), (RS)R SS(RS), (nDP)DP (PD)PD N(SN), N(SN), S, (NSR)S (nD)n, R, RR, Rg(Rmg) (R)SS, N(SmRmg), g(RgR), (RSNS)N N(SN), S(mR), R(gRmgRg), (RS)R S(RS), (nD)nD (DPD)PD N(SN), (nD)PDNS NS… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga […]
• Raag Gandhari Todi •
S-rR-g-m-P-d-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —V.R. Athavale (1988)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: Audav […]
• Raag Gandhari •
S-rR-g-m-P-d-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Shashwati Mandal (2017)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: Audav […]
• Raag Enayetkhani Kanada •
S-R-gG-m-P-d-nN-S Invented by sitarist Vilayat Khan as a tribute to his father, legendary Imdadkhani innovator Enayet Khan (although when the raga first surfaced, circa 1981, he was instead calling it ‘Vilayat Khani Kanada’…). As per fellow Imdadkhani sitarist-scholar Deepak Raja’s ever-excellent analysis, the raga runs along the lines of “Darbari with the addition of two […]
• Raag Din ki Puriya •
S-r-G-M-d-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Sanjeev Abhyankar (2002)— [refrain, e.g. 0:03] SS SS(NS) d d(MGMdM), M(G)G (S)rS S; SS SS(NSd) d d(MGMdM), (dMG)M (M)G (G)rS; SS SS(NSd) d… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see […]
• Raag Dhavalshree •
S-r-G-M-P-dD-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Kishori Amonkar (1996)— [refrain, e.g. 0:01] G(DM), (MP)MG GG(P)r/G G/P(MPS), (N)SGG\r (S)GMPDP(MP); (N)SGG\r, (S)GMP(MP) P(MPM), M(DM) M(P) G(MP)r/G(r)S; (N)SGG… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): […]
• Raag Dhanashree •
S-R-g-m-P-D-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Shubha Mudgal (1990s)— [refrain, e.g. 2:44] SS(n) n(D)D, D(n)m, (Pmn)P (m)g, (mgm)R RRn S(mgPmnPSnS); SS(n) n(D)D, D(nDn)m, m(PmPn)P, S(nSnDn), n(DnP)P… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag […]
• Raag Devgiri Bilawal •
S-R-G-m-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ramashreya Jha ‘Ramrang’ (1989)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: […]
• Raag Devgandhari Todi •
S-rR-gG-m-P-d-n-S A modification of Dev Gandhar, devised by Agra vocalist S.N. Ratanjankar via the addition of a Todi-like komal re – thus filling the entire Sa-to-ma swara space. Also recorded by his student K.G. Ginde, who extends this hemitonic run (and leans further into Todi’s geometries) by including touches of shuddha Ni, also reworking some […]
• Raag Devata Bhairav •
S-r-gG-m-P-d-N-S A double-Ga Bhairav derivative, introduced by Agra gharana pioneer Azmat Hussain Khan ‘Dilrang’. As per Parrikar, the raga is distinguished from its parent with “the introduction of [an] avroh pragoya via the komal ga [mgrS]”. Some artists include subtle touches of komal ni, including Jitendra Abhisheki – who sings a madhyang-focused bandish (to me, somewhat reminiscent […]
• Raag Dev Gandhar •
S-R-gG-m-P-d-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Vidyadhar Vyas (1982)— [bandish themes, e.g. 0:41] PDS, R S(RGm) GmG; G(R)mGRS, S(DS)S R(SR)P(m) G(R)S; P(SR)mg RS, R S(DS)D; PDS, R S(RGm) GmG… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see […]
• Raag Desi •
S-R-g-m-P-D-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Aditya Modak (2020)— [Swaras] • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ Sapta: Audav […]
• Raag Des Malhar •
S-R-G-m-P-D-nN-S A well-established fusion of the pastoral-themed Desh and the rain-bringing Malhar, spanning the full swara sets of both via characteristic movements such as RmP, PNSRmGR; mPnDP, PNS. Steadily popular with both instrumentalists (e.g. Ali Akbar Khan’s many renditions) and singers (e.g. the Bodas clan’s duets). Dinkar Kaikini’s daughter Aditi Upadhya recounts the inspiration behind the […]
• Raag Deepak •
(S-R-G-m-P-D-nN-S) Strictly speaking, Deepak is a ‘lost raga’, known to us through its status as Tansen’s fabled fire-bringing melody – said to have set off uncontrollable blazes when he sung it with full force at Emperor Akbar’s royal palace (…and requiring Megh to extinguish it). But, while its original swaras have been lost to the […]
• Raag Dakshinatya Basant •
S-r-G-m-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Anuradha Kuber (2009)— [refrain, e.g. 0:29] (D)S N(D)D N(S)D, m(Gm) G(r) r(Sr)SS… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | 7 […]
• Raag Chayanat •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-N-S A longstanding combination of Chaya and Nat, creating (as per Tanarang) an “attractive, sweet, and emotionally swaying” mood – the latter in particular summoned via ‘simple vakra’ phrases such as DNDP; RGRS. The Pa–Re sangati is vital, and shuddha ma is stronger than tivra Ma – with the raga inviting a range of expressive […]
• Raag Chaya Malhar •
S-R-G-m-P-D-N-S Profiled by Parrikar as “a compound melody formed by joining elements of Chaya [particularly its characteristic P\R swoop] to…the Malhar raganga signature [mRm\RP]…The nyas on Pa is important…[whereas] an inapposite nyas on Re or undue brightening of ma may tilt the development towards Nat Malhar”. Listen to his guru Ramrang’s rendition, seasoned with a […]
• Raag Chandrakaushiki •
S-R-g-m-d-nN-S An invention of sitarist Nikhil Banerjee, seemingly combining Chandrakauns and Kaushik. Expanding on a Malkauns base, the Kaunsi Kanada-like shuddha Re opens up a broader array of intervals to and from the twin-Ni positions – with the komal dha playing a similarly vital role below. (n.b. While some online sources refer to the raga […]
• Raag Chandni Kedar •
S-R-G-mM-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Budhaditya Mukherjee (2016)— [gat, e.g. 10:06] M(P)M DDP, m(G)m m, M(P)M P(M)P, (S)D D/RS(N)S (D)NDP, M(P)M DDP… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | […]
• Raag Champak •
S-R-G-m-P-D-nN-S A seldom-heard neighbour of Khambavati, distinguished (often very subtly) by stronger use of shuddha ma, and sometimes involving a Gm\S catchphrase. Both ni swaras are used, with the komal introduced via vakra avroh motions (e.g. SRn). Named after a huge evergreen tree species with fragrant yellow-orange flowers, used in perfumery and featured in many […]
• Raag Bilawal •
S-R-G-m-P-D-N-S Approximates the Western Major Scale, thus taking an ‘all-shuddha’ sampurna swara set – and selected by the great V.N. Bhatkhande as the titular raga of Bilawal thaat – although its popularity has declined in the century since (partly in favour of prakritis such as Tilak Kamod and Gaud Malhar). Dha and Ga assume vital […]
• Raag Bihari •
S-R-G-m-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Shruti Sadolikar (2012)— [refrain, e.g. 3:17] (N)S, S(m)R (P)m (D)PD, Pm m(PmP) D(nDP)mG, G(RSR)S, S, S\P, P(NS) S(N)R S, SS(m)R (P)m (D)PD (nD)Pm… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see […]
• Raag Bihagda •
S-R-G-m-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ulhas Kashalkar (2000)— [refrain, e.g. 3:57] (PmP)Gm P\G, G(mG)m, Gm(G)m/n D(nD)P, DP(P)DPm, mPGG, (SR)N (N)S, (GPGDP) P(GP)S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | […]
• Raag Bihagara •
S-R-G-m-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande (2016)— [refrain, e.g. 2:17] SGm P/N N(RSNS) N DP, P(mP)G; SGm P/N N(RSNS) N DP, P(mP) G(mP)G; SGm P/N N(RSNS) N DP… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also […]
• Raag Bihad Bhairav •
S-r-gG-m-P-d-nN-S A ‘double-Ga, double-Ni’ creation of Bhairav-loving vocalist Kumar Gandharva (also see Bhavmat Bhairav & Rati Bhairav). Bose describes how “the projection of the raga is done mainly around Sa…the aroha is similar to Jogiya [SrmdPdS: also Gunakri], and it has a small portion of Shivmat Bhairav” [e.g. rgrS], giving pakad such as Srm; GrS rrS; […]
• Raag Bhavmat Bhairav •
S-r-gG-m-P-d-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Kumar Gandharva (~1970s)— [bandish, e.g. 0:26] PN S/G(r) r(S)S, S(NrSN)S, S(NS)N (Nd)P, NS(r) S(NS)N, S(Nd), NS/G(r) r(S)S, (N)S S, N(SR), SR(SN)SN\dP P, NS(RSN)S (GS)G r(S)S, (N)S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & […]
• Raag Bhatiyari Bhairav •
S-r-G-m-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Ramashreya Jha ‘Ramrang’ (2007)— [refrain, e.g. 1:56] GmPD, N(S)D D(Pm)P m(PDP), P(GP)GmGr S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 | 5 | 6 | […]
• Raag Bhairav Bahar •
S-rR-gG-m-P-D-nN-S A ten-toned multi-jod raga, Bhairav Bahar’s descent blends the melodic signatures of several disparate ragas – although, as per Darbhanga Dhrupad vocalist Premkumar Mallick, flavours of Bhairav should dominate. Bose gives a vadi–samvadi of ma–Sa, while also mentioning the existence of an alternate ‘double-Dha’ version (thus allowing for the use of every swara position […]
• Raag Basanti Kanada •
S-r-G-mM-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Arun Dravid (1984)— [refrain, e.g. 1:23] D m G, G GM(d)M\G, (M)G rS, (S)G rS, S(NR)S, Sm, m m\G, P m\G, G(m)D DP, DPDND, PDnDP… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more […]
• Raag Basant •
S-r-G-M-P-d-N-S Basant (meaning ‘Springtime’) is a historic and highly influential form, with a lineage stretching back to at least the 8th century. The raga’s modern incarnation matches the swaras of Poorvi thaat, with shades of shuddha ma also permitted in some interpretations (e.g. SmmG; mdrS). Phraseological allies include Puriya (GMdNM; mdGmG) and Shree (e.g. NrS; […]
• Raag Barwa •
S-R-g-m-P-D-nN-S An Agra gharana speciality, Barwa blends ideas from Kafi (mP, mgR; mPDNS), Sindhura (SRmP; Pg), and Desi (RPRg). The komal ga tends to be omitted in aroha, and ma is rendered deergha, while Re–Pa is often given as the vadi-samvadi. Traditionally associated with the late morning hours, the raga is one of many Kafi-allied […]
• Raag Baradi •
S-r-G-M-P-D-N-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Anandrao Limaye (~1980s)— [motifs, e.g. 6:42] P P(DPMP) S, S(P) P(SPrS)G r, r\S S; (Nr)S\D D\P P\G G(SGMPM)P… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full Tag List): Swaras: -4 […]
• Raag Bangal Bhairav •
S-r-G-m-P-d-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Priyanshu Ghosh (2022)— [refrain, e.g. 1:13] G(PmP) m(Gm) G\r, GmP (n)d, d/S (n)d (d)P, G(mGm)P, G(PmP) m(Gm) G\r, GmP (n)d, d/S… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the Full […]
• Raag Bahar •
S-R-g-m-P-D-nN-S As per Tanarang, Bahar (meaning ‘spring’) “brings out nature’s beautiful blessings…full of shringar and bhakti ras…khatkas and intricate taans are conducive to its dynamic, fleeting nature”. While rooted in the Kanada raganga, the raga features a Malharic twin-Ni, with the shuddha being more prominent. Bageshri hallmarks are also evident in the weak aroha Re, […]
• Raag Bahaduri Todi •
S-rR-g-m-P-d-n-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Mallikarjun Mansur (~1990s)— [bandish, e.g. 0:01] R, nS Rg(gRgm), m m, m\gP Pmgg, g\r(g)SS, SR/g\rr, r r(g)SS, (S)r nS, S(r)SR(g)rr, S\n\d(nd), n(dnd), d mm, m\gP, m(d) P(nd)d, d(P)P, mP, mPm(g)g, gm mP, Rg SR, nSRg (gRg)m m\gP… • Classifiers • Explore […]
• Raag Bageshri Bahar •
S-R-g-m-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Bhimsen Joshi (1997)— [refrain, e.g. 2:25] Sn(S)D (S)Dm, nSS, Dn(D)S, nD(Pm) m(D) (nD)S; S(nSnS)R R(S) S(nDn) D, (n)S n\P P(DP)m\g, g(m) mP(Pm)P… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, murchana sets, ragangas, & more (also see the […]
• Raag Asa Bhairav •
S-rR-G-m-P-D-N-S A joining of Bhairav and the archaic Sikh form Asa (Sanskrit for ‘hope’), matching the swaras of ‘Bilawal double-Re’ – with the shuddha taken in ascent, and the komal in descent. Parrikar notes that “the Bhairav-ang is expressed in the poorvang [e.g. Gm(G)rS], and the rest of the contour looks to Asa [e.g. S, S(m)RmP, […]
• Raag Anjani Kalyan •
S-R-g-M-P-D-N-S A creation of vocalist Ramashreya Jha ‘Ramrang’, named in honour of Lord Hanuman. As per his student Rajan Parrikar, “the basic idea involves rendering the aroha of Madhuvanti sampurna, by taking in both [shuddha] Re and Dha. The aroha contour thus…permits the advance of Kalyan-like clusters”. Abhirang’s rendition of Ramrang’s bandish (below: Hanana Hanumana […]
• Raag Alhaiya Bilawal •
S-R-G-m-P-D-nN-S While essentially summarisable as ‘Bilawal plus komal ni’, Alhaiya also presents other quirks. Most distinctively, Dha is treated as the vadi, but not as a nyas (Pa and Ga are used as stopping tones instead, often being reached via meend). Dha is also used to support komal ni via ‘up-and-down’ phrases such as SNDP, […]
• Raag Ahiri Todi •
S-R-g-m-P-D-nN-S While the title ‘Ahiri Todi’ is often used interchangeably with Ahiri, the former raga has a more complex historical lineage: comprising both an Ahiri–congruent form which many consider indistinct from the main raga (SrgmPDnS) – and an older, near-extinct version which approximates the shape of Asavari thaat (SRgmPDnNS). Agra vocalist Khadim Hussain Khan’s intriguing […]
• Raag Ahir Lalit •
S-r-G-mM-D-n-S Introduced by Ravi Shankar, drawing from the swara material of three morning ragas: Ahiri, Ahir Bhairav, and Lalit. As per Deepak Raja, “for most listeners, Ahir Lalit will be unable to escape the shadow of Ahir Bhairav over the Lalit facet of the raga…since Ahiri is heard mainly as a Bhairav / Ahir Bhairav […]
• Raag Adarangi Todi •
S-r-g-mM-P-d-nN-S A double-ma, double-ni Todi variant linked to 18th-century composer Naimat Khan ‘Sadarang’ and his nephew Feroze Khan ‘Adarang’, who served at the court of Mughal Emperor (and prolific arts patron) Muhammad Shah. While the raga’s historical lineage remains half-sketched, Ali Akbar Khan took to performing it later in his career. Sometimes given the alternate […]
• Raag Abhogi •
S-R-g-m-D-S The Carnatic-imported Abhogi is a rare ‘audav Kanada’ raga – somewhat resembling ‘Darbari no Pa/ni’ (or, if the mgmRS Kanada signature is de-emphasised, ‘Bageshri aroha no ni’). As per Tanarang, the raga’s capacity for Darbaric poorvang movements “creates a deep atmosphere…[which] can be expanded in all the three octaves” – while the ultra-sparse uttarang […]
• Raag Abheri Todi •
S-rR-gG-m-P-d-n-S Described by musicologist and critic Rajan Parrikar as “another obscure [Todi] variant, in which strands of Asavari and Khamaj are tied to the Todi-anga”. His guru Ramrang’s rendition of the raga revolves around phrases such as PmPm\g; mPn\d; SRnS; rnSRG – while the name presumably derives from the mostly-congruent Carnatic Abheri. Remains rare on […]
• Raag Ahiri •
S-r-g-m-P-D-n-S Somewhat resembling a ‘Bageshri komal re’, ‘Ahir Bhairav komal ga’, or ‘Bhairavi shuddha Dha’, Ahiri favours long, kaleidoscopic melodies, laden with shapes from proximate ragas. Artists may seek to accentuate the ‘equilateral triangle’ of nyas (r–m–D: an augmented triad), also drawing from its murchana-set neighbours Patdeep, Charukeshi, and Vachaspati. Matches the Carnatic Natakapriya, although origins remain […]
• Raag Patmanjari •
(S-rR-gG-mM-P-dD-nN-S) Said by some to be more of a ‘performance concept’ than a single raga, ‘Patmanjari’ translates as ‘Bouquet of Five Ragas’. Debate persists over whether the form should be interpreted as an open challenge to blend five ragas of an artist’s own choosing, or whether it entails five specific ragas – and, if so, […]
