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 Poorvi •
• 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Ambika Sarang •
S-R-mM-P-D-nN-S According to Rajan Parrikar, Ambika Sarang “was designed by [Agra vocalist] Chidanand Nagarkar…elements of Shuddha Sarang and Kafi are blended together in a delicious cocktail”. Ga is banished, allowing for Saraswati-tinged movements. While Nagarkar’s naming motives are unclear, ‘ambika’ (meaning ‘mother’ in Sanskrit) is closely tied to the goddess Saraswati (in particular, the manifestation of […]
• 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Sarang •
S-R-mM-P-D-nN-S [summary] • Raga Megalist (365+) • Search | Glossary | Tags • Hindustani Raga Index • —Gopal Krishna (~1970s)— https://www.parrikar.org/music/sarang/gopalkrishnan_saraswatisarang.mp3 [refrain, e.g. 0:08] RM(PD) P(MP), mRm R, SS, (S)nD MPDS, S, S, S\DS R, m\RR M, P M(D)P mRm, R, S, RM(P)DP mRm RS, nD MPDS… • Classifiers • Explore hidden inter-raga connections: swara geometries, melodic features, […]
• 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 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 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 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 •
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Chandni Bihag •
S-G-mM-P-D-nN-S A speciality of the Rampur khayal gharana, which introduces the tense Ma–ni sangati to the basic framework of Bihag, further accentuated by a weak or absent Re – leaving two ‘4-row’ clusters (GmMP & DnNS), arranged symmetrically. Parrikar recounts the “enchanting tonal formulations” of his guru Ramrang’s rendition (passed down by his own guru Bholanath […]
• 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 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 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 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 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 […]
