Music of India: Three Classical R?gas
An exploration of the music of India through the lens of three different classical r?gas.
Introduction
In India, music is an integral part of everyday life. It is often said that music is the soul of India. Indian classical music dates back to ancient times and is based on two main systems: the Vedic system, which developed from the Vedas (sacred Hindu texts), and the Persian system, which was introduced to India by the Moghuls in the 12th century.
There are two main types of Indian classical music: Hindustani and Carnatic. Hindustani music is found in the northern parts of India, while Carnatic music is found in the south. Both styles are based on the same foundation, but have developed differently over time.
Indian classical music is traditionally performed by solo musicians, although groups are becoming more common. The most important instrument in Indian classical music is the sitar, a long-necked stringed instrument with a resonating chamber. The sitar is usually accompanied by a drone instrument (such as the tambura) and percussion instruments (such as the tabla).
R?ga is an important concept in Indian classical music. A r?ga can be thought of as a melodic “scale” or “mode”. There are hundreds of r?gas in Hindustani and Carnatic music, each with its own unique character. In this article, we’ll take a look at three popular Hindustani r?gas: Bageshree, Yaman and Bhairav.
What is a R?ga?
In Indian classical music, a r?ga is a melodic mode used to accompany a performance. Each r?ga has its own unique melody and mood, which the performer strives to evoke during their performance.
R?gas are traditionally classified by their effects on the human mind and emotions, as well as their musical properties. There are thousands of r?gas in existence, each with their own distinct characteristics.
The three r?gas featured in this article are among the most popular in Indian classical music. They are known for their ability to create a range of emotions, from peacefulness to excitement.
Raga Bihag:
Bihag is a popular North Indian raga that is known for its soothing and calming effect on the listener. It is often performed in the early hours of the morning, when the mind is at its most relaxed state.
The melody of Bihag is based on the pentatonic scale, which consists of five notes (sa-re-ga-ma-pa). This gives the raga a very simple and elegant sound. The use of ornamentation is very important in Bihag, as it helps to create the raga’s unique mood of serenity and peace.
Raga Miyan Ki Malhar:
Miyan Ki Malhar is a highly emotional raga that is associated with rain and thunderstorms. It evokes feelings of intensity and drama, making it one of the most popular ragas for film scores.
The melody of Miyan Ki Malhar is based on the chromatic scale, which means it uses all 12 notes of Western classical music (C-C#-D-D#-E-F-F#-G-G#-A-A#-B). This gives the raga a very complex sound, with many different colors and textures. The use of ornamentation is very important in Miyan Ki Malhar, as it helps to create the raga’s unique mood of drama and intensity.
Raga Jaunpuri:
Jaunpuri is a highly energetic and uplifting raga that is often performed at sunrise or sunset. It evokes feelings of joy and happiness, making it one of the most popular ragas for dance performances.
The melody of Jaunpuri is based on the major scale, which consists of seven notes (sa-re-ga-ma-pa-dha-ni). This gives the raga a very simple and straightforward sound. The use of ornamentation is not as important in Jaunpuri, as its upbeat nature makes it suitable for more lively performances such as dance pieces.
The Three R?gas
The music of India is one of the oldest and richest in the world. It is classified into two main types: classical and folk. Classical music is further divided into three sub-genres: Hindustani, Carnatic, and dhrupad. The three most popular classical r?gas are Yaman, Bhairav, and Mian Ki Malhar.
R?ga Bhairav
Raga Bhairav is a “bhakti raga”. It is a prayerful raga, intended to inspire devotion. It is associated with the development of concentration and meditation.
Raga Bhairav is one of the oldest of the Hindustani classical ragas. It belongs to the Bhairav family of ragas, which includes ragas Bhairav, Shankara, Parameshwari and Asawari.
Raga Bhairav is traditionally performed at sunrise. It is said to be particularly effective when played on the veena, an Indian classical string instrument.
The notes of Raga Bhairav are as follows:
Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa
Raga Bhairav has a very distinct sound, which is characterized by its use of the “komal” or flat second and seventh notes (re and ni). Komal notes are typically avoided in Hindustani classical music, so Raga Bhairav has a very unique flavor.
The mood of Raga Bhairav is one of introspection and reverence. It is often said to be particularly effective for developing concentration and promoting meditation.
R?ga Yaman
R?ga Yaman, also known as Kaly?n or Kaly?n, is a popular North Indian classical r?ga. It is one of the first r?gas taught to beginning sitar students, and is considered one of the most fundamental r?gas in Carnatic music. R?ga Yaman is also popular in Hindustani music, though its exact form and structure vary between the two styles.
R?ga Yaman is said to be named after theYamuna River in India. It is associated with the season of winter, and with the time of day known as brahma muhurta, or “the hour of God,” which is (traditionally) the period just before dawn. R?ga Yaman’s mood is tranquil and serene, and it is said to be helpful for meditation.
In Hindustani music, R?ga Yaman is often performed in slow tempo (vilambit laya), allowing for ample elaboration of phrases and movements (gamakas). R?ga Yaman acquired its “Kalyan” name from the town of Kalyan, near Mumbai, where it was popularized by instrumentalists in the 19th century. In Carnatic music, R?ga Yaman has been sung in a variety of both slow (viloma) and fast (virama) tempos. It is also commonly performed as a basis for improvisation (manodharma).
R?ga Malkauns
R?ga Malkauns is a very popular Hindustani classical r?ga of the Kharaharapriya family. It is one of the first ragas taught to students of North Indian classical music, and is considered to be one of the most important. Malkauns is known for its soothing, calming qualities, and is often used as background music or for meditation.
This r?ga is also known as Sarang, after the Sarangi, a popular stringed instrument from India. The Sarangi is often used to play R?ga Malkauns, as its mellow sound compliments the r?ga’s peaceful nature.
Conclusion
We have looked at three popular classical r?gas and examined their features. Although they share some similarities, each r?ga has its own unique character. By understanding the distinctive features of each r?ga, we can better appreciate the beautiful variety of Indian classical music.
