Raga can be understood the most lucid form as a molecule that can combine itself in different ways to form different kinds of elements. Raga is the basis of Indian classical music, though it holds no significance in the west. One can make hundreds of songs from a single raga, by using it in different forms.
Raga is not only the building block of Indian classical music but also the guide to create variety. Raga has different ramifications and through these classical singers reach different pinnacles in their respective music. Raga in its roots means to color, dye or tinge and it is believed that it colors the mind and levitates the emotions of the audience by creating beautiful symphonies.
Each Raga has to contain at least 5 notes from the octave. It is under the talent and the musical insight of the musician to which heights he will take the raga to. The better a musician improvises the raga the better he can make it and the better he or she can color the minds and souls of the audience.
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Ragas are differentiated into various kinds depending upon the number of notes you are using in the octave. Supposedly you are using 5 notes in an octave, your raga will be a pentatonic raga. In the same way if you are using 6, 7 notes in an octave your raga will be hexatonic and heptatonic raga respectively.
So let us study the ragas on the basis of the number of notes it uses in an octave.
Given below are the Pentatonic ragas in the Indian classical music.
- RAGA DURGA:
Raga Durga is known as Shuddha Saveri in the south. It is usually sung at late evening to midnight, when it has its maximum effect. The raga is very peaceful and serene.
- RAGA SHIVRANJANI:
This raga is not given very high regards in the music community. It is sung from late evening to midnight.
- RAGA MALKAUNS:
It is a very placid and sincere raga. It suggests thoughtfulness and is usually sung in a lower pitch. It is sung in early morning or late midnight for maximum effect.
- RAGA BHUPALI:
Raga Bhupali is not only recognized in Indian classical music but also in the west. Various forms of western music comprises Raga bhupali. It is also taught in various music colleges across the west. Raga bhupali is closely associated with another Raga called Raga Deskar.Both are similar but Raga bhupali is more contemplative and placid and Raga Deskar is more vibrant and lively. Raga Bhupali is usually sung in the evening hours, after the sun is set
- RAGA MADMADH SARANG
This Raga is like a smooth dream and is sang at late morning hours to enjoy the day. It leaves the both the body and soul serene and free from all the chaos.
- RAGA HAMSAWADNI:
This Raga is the most popular raga in Hindustani music. Many songs can be traced back to Raga Hamsawadni. This raga brings positive energy into life and is sing with a vivacious tones, It is usually sung with in the evening hours, after sunset with a very high tempo.
- RAGA MARWA:
Raga Marwa is a hexotonic raga and this is taken very seriously in Indian classical music. It-emphasizes on the root note “sa” This raga shows anxiety and entropy. It also showcases inner struggle and the movement inside a person that it creates.
- Raga Bhairav
Raga Bhairav is a heptotonic raga and a very important one in the Indian classical music study. The best thing about Raga Bhairav is its versatility. In the morning it can be peaceful and solemn. But as the day enfolds it can be very dramatic. Musicians practice Raga Bhairav for years to understand its spectrum. They say that Raga Bhairav is the music in the mind of Lord Shiva as he meditated in the Himalayas. With such divine presence, Raga Bhairav is revered in the entire Indian classical music.
Now, there are some raga that can get away with the preciseness of the number of notes and create an eclectic melody of their own. The symphony they create is not only unique but also soulful
The following are a few raga’s that create a unique sense of music with their non conformity to the octave rules:
- RAGA YAMAN:
Raga Yaman is an oxotonic Raga. It is full of grace and majesty, and it signifies devotion and dedication. It represents the offering of one self to the divine and asking nothing in return.
- RAGA KEDAR :
Raga Kedar is the most peaceful Raga. It welcomes peace and tranquility in a person’s mood. It is usually played during late evening and midnight.
- RAGA JOG:
Jog in Hindi language means reaching for the divine. This raga does the same. It is performed in early morning hours. It is used in lighter forms of music
- RAGA BHIMPALASI:
Raga Bhimpalasi is filled with yearning and passion. It is practiced in the late afternoon to the sunset.
- RAGA PAHADI:
Raga Pahadi is one of the most important raga in Indian classical music. The best part about this Raga is that it is both playful and pensive. Raga pahadi related to raga bhupali and their octaves can be soulfully mixed with one another.
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