Structure of Adhaar Number

1. What is Ragas and  How to identify Ragas in bollywood songs?

A Raaga (or Raga) is a fundamental concept in Indian classical music that serves as a melodic framework for composition and improvisation. Derived from the Sanskrit word "Ranj", meaning "to color" or "to delight," a raga is designed to evoke specific emotions or moods in the listener. Each raga has its unique identity based on its scale, mood, and time of performance.

Key Features of a Raga

1. Melodic Framework:

A raga is not just a scale but a combination of notes arranged in a specific manner that creates its distinctive personality.

2. Arohana (Ascending) and Avarohana (Descending):

Each raga has a prescribed way of ascending (arohana) and descending (avarohana) through the notes.

3. Vadi and Samvadi (Principal and Secondary Notes):

Vadi: The most important or dominant note of the raga.

Samvadi: The second most important note, complementing the vadi.

4. Pakad (Signature Phrase):

A characteristic sequence of notes that defines the raga's essence.

5. Rasa (Emotion):

Each raga is associated with specific emotions or moods, such as joy, melancholy, romance, or devotion.

6. Time and Season:

Many ragas are tied to specific times of the day or seasons, believed to enhance their emotional impact.

Classification of Ragas

1. Thaat System (Hindustani Music):

Ragas are classified into 10 parent scales, called Thaats (e.g., Bilawal, Kafi, Kalyan).

2. Melakarta System (Carnatic Music):

A systematic approach where ragas are classified into 72 parent scales.

Components of a Raga

Swaras (Notes):

Indian music uses seven basic notes (Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni), with additional variations like komal (flat) and tivra (sharp) notes.

Chalan (Movement):

The manner in which notes are used and connected, giving the raga its flow and flavor.

Gamaka (Ornamentation):

Graceful embellishments and oscillations of notes to enhance the raga's emotional appeal.

Example: Raga Yaman

Arohana: Sa Re Ga Ma (Tivra) Pa Dha Ni Sa

Avarohana: Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma (Tivra) Ga Re Sa

Vadi/Samvadi: Ga / Ni

Mood: Romantic, soothing

Time: Evening

Raga and Improvisation

Ragas are a canvas for creative expression. Musicians use them to improvise, following the raga's rules while adding their personal touch. This makes each rendition of a raga unique.

In essence, a raga is more than just a scale; it is a living, breathing entity that captures the soul of Indian classical music.

Identifying ragas in Bollywood songs requires a combination of listening skills, knowledge of classical music, and practice. Here's a guide to help you.

1. Understand the Basics of Ragas

Raga Structure: Each raga has a specific arrangement of notes (scale) and rules about how they are used (ascending and descending patterns, key notes, and ornamentations).

Mood: Ragas evoke particular emotions or times of the day, which can give clues when identifying them.

2. Listen for Key Notes (Vadi and Samvadi)

Ragas have primary notes (vadi) and secondary notes (samvadi) that are emphasized in the melody.

Pay attention to recurring patterns and characteristic phrases.

3. Identify the Arohana and Avarohana

Arohana: The ascending order of notes.

Avarohana: The descending order of notes.

Bollywood songs often simplify classical ragas, but these patterns can still be detected.

4. Notice Ornamentations

Techniques like meend (glides), gamak (oscillations), and kan (grace notes) are often used in Bollywood songs to mimic classical styles.

5. Match the Mood

Classical ragas are associated with specific moods (romantic, devotional, melancholic) and times (morning, evening, night). Identify the song's emotional tone to narrow down possible ragas.

6. Learn Common Ragas in Bollywood

Some ragas are frequently used in Bollywood songs. Familiarizing yourself with these will make identification easier:

Raga Yaman: Songs like Chodd Do Aanchal (Pay attention to "Ni-Re-Ga" and "Tivra Ma").

Raga Bhairavi: Songs like Jhanak Jhanak Tori Baje Payaliya.

Raga Pahadi: Songs like Aa Ab Laut Chalein.

Raga Darbari Kanada: Songs like Dil Dhoondta Hai.

Raga Kafi: Songs like Madhuban Mein Radhika.

Raga Desh: Songs like Dukh Bhare Din Beete Re Bhaiya.

7. Use Apps and Tools

Apps like Riyaz, NaadSadhana, or even YouTube tutorials can help train your ear to recognize ragas.

8. Seek Guidance

Learn from a classical music teacher or join online forums/groups that discuss music.

Many enthusiasts share lists of Bollywood songs with corresponding ragas.

9. Compare with Classical Compositions

Listen to classical renditions of ragas and compare their elements with Bollywood songs.

10. Practice and Patience

Start with simple songs that have a strong classical base.

Over time, you'll become more adept at identifying the raga's essence even in modern, fusion, or semi-classical songs

Bollywood songs often draw inspiration from a variety of ragas, not just the popular ones. Here are additional ragas that are frequently used in music and their associated Bollywood songs:

1. Raga Khamaj

Mood: Romantic, playful

Songs:

Ehsaan Tera Hoga Mujh Par (Junglee)

Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya (Mughal-e-Azam)

2. Raga Bilawal

Mood: Joyful, festive

Songs:

Dheere Dheere Chal Chand Gagan Mein (Love Marriage)

Madhuban Mein Radhika Nache Re (Kohinoor)

3. Raga Todi

Mood: Serious, devotional, melancholic

Songs:

Jhanak Jhanak Tori Baje Payaliya (Mere Huzoor)

Saawan Ka Mahina Pawan Kare Shor (Milan)

4. Raga Marwa

Mood: Introspective, serious

Songs: Hila Hai Kisi Ka Jhumka (Parineeta)

Duniya Na Bhaye (Basant Bahar)

5. Raga Bageshri

Mood: Romantic, late-night

Songs:

Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje (Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje)

Kaise Samjhaoon Badi Nasamajh Ho (Sur Sangam)

6. Raga Bhupali

Mood: Devotional, peaceful

Songs:

Jyoti Kalash Chalke (Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan)

Chanda Hai Tu Mera Suraj Hai Tu (Aradhana)

7. Raga Shivaranjani

Mood: Pathos, melancholic

Songs:

Jaane Kahan Gaye Woh Din (Mera Naam Joker)

Do Dil Toote Do Dil Haare (Heer Ranjha)

8. Raga Malkauns

Mood: Majestic, meditative

Songs:

Man Tarpat Hari Darshan Ko Aaj (Baiju Bawra)

O Saathi Re (Muqaddar Ka Sikandar)

9. Raga Hamsadhwani

Mood: Energetic, auspicious

Songs:

Ja Tose Nahin Bolun Kanha (Parivar)

Vatsalyam (Devotional songs)

10. Raga Kirwani

Mood: Emotional, yearning

Songs:

Chalo Chale Mitwa (Rani Roopmati)

Meri Bheegi Bheegi Si (Anamika)

11. Raga Kafi

Mood: Playful, romantic

Songs:

Ab Ke Sawan Mein Jee Dare (Jaise Ko Taisa)

Madhuban Mein Radhika Nache Re (Kohinoor).

12. Raga Pilu

Mood: Pleasing, light classical

Songs:

Chandni Raat Hai (Jahan Ara)

Nache Mann Mora (Meri Surat Teri Ankhen)

13. Raga Desh

Mood: Patriotic, serene

Songs:

Dukh Bhare Din Beete Re Bhaiya (Mother India)

Bande Mein Tha Dum (Lage Raho Munna Bhai)

14. Raga Pahadi

Mood: Folk, rustic

Songs:

Aa Ab Laut Chalein (Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai)

Chandni O Meri Chandni (Chandni)

15. Raga Charukeshi

Mood: Introspective, emotional

Songs:

Chitthi Aayi Hai (Naam)

Saans Mein Teri (Jab Tak Hai Jaan)

16. Raga Yaman Kalyan

Mood: Evening, romantic, soothing

Songs:

Chodd Do Aanchal (Paying Guest)

Chal Chal Mere Saathi

 (Padosan)

These ragas represent a wide range of moods and styles, and Bollywood composers often blend them with folk or Western elements to create unique music. Regular listening and learning will help you identify them better!

2. Explain Deepak Raag and Rag Malhaar

1. Deepak Raag

Deepak Raag is a mythical and highly romanticized raga in Indian classical music. It is often associated with fire and light, symbolizing intense emotions and energy. However, its practical existence and specific notations are debated, as it is more often found in legends than in formal classical practice.

Characteristics:

Mood: Passionate, fiery, intense.

Mythology: According to legend, singing Deepak Raag could ignite lamps or create fire. It is famously linked with Tansen, one of the nine jewels in Emperor Akbar's court, who is said to have sung it so effectively that it caused a physical manifestation of fire.

Scale and Notes: While its exact structure varies in different accounts, some versions suggest it uses Raga Todi or a close derivative, emphasizing Rishabh (Re) and Pancham (Pa).

Notable Songs/References:

There are few definitive compositions in Deepak Raag, but it is a fascinating subject in classical music lore. It is primarily discussed in literary works and films like Baiju Bawra.

2. Raga Malhaar

Raga Malhaar is a family of ragas traditionally associated with the rainy season. It evokes the imagery of rain, monsoons, and nature's rejuvenation, and is celebrated for its soothing and refreshing qualities.

Characteristics:

Mood: Cool, romantic, joyful, and rejuvenating.

Mythology: It is also linked with Tansen, who, according to legend, could bring rain by singing this raga. This mystical association adds to its allure.

Types of Malhaar:

Miyan ki Malhaar: The most popular version, said to be created by Tansen.

Megh Malhaar: Evokes rain clouds.

Gaud Malhaar, Des Malhaar, and other variants emphasize different moods.

Scale and Notes:

The specific arohana (ascending) and avarohana (descending) can vary across the Malhaar family. For example:

Miyan ki Malhaar:

Arohana: Sa Re Ma Pa Ni Sa

Avarohana: Sa Ni Pa Ma Re Sa

It incorporates both komal (flat) and shuddh (natural) variants of Ga (Gandhar) and Ni (Nishad).

Bollywood Songs Based on Malhaar:

Bole Re Papihara (Raga Miyan Ki Malhaar, Film: Guddi)

Ghanshyam Sundara (Raga Megh Malhaar, Marathi song)

Garjat Barsat Saawan Aayo Re (Raga Miyan Ki Malhaar, Film: Barsaat Ki Raat)

Differences Between Deepak Raag and Malhaar

Both ragas hold a legendary status in Indian music and are tied deeply to cultural and emotional symbolism.

Deepak Raag, while largely mythical and not commonly performed in modern classical music, has been referenced in Indian folklore, literature, and movies. Its most famous association is with the legendary musician Tansen, who is said to have sung this raga with such intensity that it could ignite lamps.

However, due to its mythical status, there are no concrete compositions in the classical repertoire explicitly labeled as Deepak Raag. It is often described as a raga that combines elements of Todi, Multani, or Marwa, emphasizing specific notes to create a "fiery" emotional effect.

Famous References in Pop Culture

1. Movie: Baiju Bawra (1952)

The movie portrays a fictional account of Tansen singing Deepak Raag.

"Deepak Jalao Jugal Soor" is a song that dramatizes this raga, showcasing its fiery essence.

2. Historical Anecdotes

Stories of Tansen often describe him using Deepak Raag to light lamps, followed by Megh Malhaar to cool the flames and bring rain.

Reconstructed Attempts

In rare cases, some artists have tried to recreate Deepak Raag based on historical descriptions. These attempts often borrow heavily from existing ragas with "intense" moods like Todi or Darbari Kanada. However, these interpretations remain speculative.

While you may not find a definitive "Deepak Raag" in today's performances, it continues to inspire and intrigue music lovers, serving as a testament to the power of music in mythology and imagination.

3. How many Ragas are there in Indian classical music?

The number of ragas in Indian classical music is vast and varies depending on the system and traditions followed. There is no fixed number as ragas have been developed, modified, and interpreted differently over centuries. Here's an overview based on the two major classical traditions:

1. Hindustani Classical Music (North Indian Tradition)

Estimated Number of Ragas: Around 500–700 ragas.

This includes widely accepted traditional ragas and numerous regional or rare ragas.

Many ragas are derived from the 10 Thaats (parent scales) of the Hindustani system, such as Bilawal, Kafi, Bhairav, Kalyan, etc.

2. Carnatic Classical Music (South Indian Tradition)

Estimated Number of Ragas: Over 7,000 ragas.

The Melakarta system organizes ragas into 72 parent scales, called Melakartas, from which hundreds of derived ragas (janya ragas) are created.

Carnatic music emphasizes both structured (Melakarta) and highly ornamental derived ragas.

Why is the Number Flexible?

1. Derived Ragas: Many ragas are created by altering notes or adding ornamental variations to existing ragas.

2. Regional and Folk Influence: Regional styles and folk traditions often lead to the evolution of new ragas.

3. Raga Variations: The same raga may be interpreted slightly differently by various gharanas (schools) or regions.

Historical Perspective

In ancient texts:

The Natyashastra by Bharata (around 200 BCE–200 CE) mentions 6 basic ragas.

Later works, like the Sangeet Ratnakara (13th century), document about 264 ragas.

Practical Perspective

Though thousands of ragas exist theoretically, only a few hundred are actively performed or taught today in both Hindustani and Carnatic traditions.

So, while the number of ragas in Indian classical music can exceed 7,000, a more practical count would include 500–1,000 commonly known and performed ragas.