Aaroh and Avroh: The Ascending and Descending Scale of Indian Classical Music
MusicChamps
Music Educator
Introduction
Can you enjoy a piece of music that only goes up — or only comes down? Probably not. A truly melodious piece needs both movement and resolution. In Indian classical music, this principle is formalised through the concept of Aaroh and Avroh.
What is Aaroh-Avroh?
When the seven notes are arranged in ascending order of pitch — from lower to higher — the sequence is called Aaroh:
Sa — Re — Ga — Ma — Pa — Dha — Ni — Sa'
When the same notes are sung or played in descending order of pitch — from higher to lower — the sequence is called Avroh:
Sa' — Ni — Dha — Pa — Ma — Ga — Re — Sa
Example: Aaroh and Avroh of Raag Bilawal
Raag Bilawal is one of the most well-known Raags that uses all shuddha (natural) swaras. It is sung during the morning hours and is associated with emotions of ecstasy, spirituality, and joy.
| Direction | Notes | | --------- | ------------------------- | | Aaroh | Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa' | | Avroh | Sa' Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Re Sa |
Since Raag Bilawal has Sampoorn-Sampoorn jati, it includes all seven notes in both Aaroh and Avroh. Not all Raags follow this — some omit certain notes in one direction, creating a distinct identity.
Every Raag Has a Unique Aaroh-Avroh
A common misconception is that all Raags use the same seven notes in the same sequence. In reality:
- Some Raags use all Shuddha (natural) swaras
- Some use a mix of Shuddha and Komal (flat) swaras
- Some include Teevra Ma (sharp fourth)
- Many Raags omit one or more notes in the Aaroh or Avroh
This is precisely what gives each Raag its unique colour, mood, and identity.
Why Aaroh-Avroh Matters in Performance
Aaroh and Avroh are typically presented at the very beginning of a Raag performance. Their purpose is to:
- Introduce the mood (rasa) of the Raag to the audience
- Communicate the jati (how many notes the Raag uses)
- Reveal the swara combination — which notes are natural, flat, or sharp
- Set the emotional atmosphere before the main composition
Think of Aaroh and Avroh as the icing on a cake — the first impression that draws the listener in and prepares them for what lies beneath.
Why Learn Aaroh-Avroh?
Foundation of Melody Aaroh-Avroh is the backbone of every Raag. Learning them correctly helps the student understand which Raag is being performed and what emotional world it occupies.
Improvisation and Creativity There is not just one way to sing Aaroh and Avroh — there are many stylistic approaches. Different patterns are known as Alankaras. There are eight major Alankaras in Indian classical music, all used to develop vocal precision, speed, and agility.
Additional Resources
- What is Aaroh & Avroh? — Aroh Avroh Kya Hai?
- Pyramid Aroh Avroh — Alankar, Sargam Zone
- All the Best Alankaras for Indian Classical Music Practice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aaroh and Avroh in Indian classical music?
Aaroh (also spelled Aroh) refers to the ascending arrangement of notes in a Raag — from lower pitch to higher pitch. Avroh (Avaroh) refers to the descending arrangement — from higher pitch to lower pitch. Together they define the note structure and movement of a Raag.
Why is Aaroh and Avroh important?
Aaroh and Avroh are sung at the beginning of a Raag performance to communicate its mood, jati (note count), and swara combination to the audience. They act as the musical introduction that establishes the character of the Raag before the main composition begins.
Is Aaroh and Avroh the same for all Raags?
No. Every Raag has its own unique Aaroh and Avroh. Different Raags use different combinations of Shuddha (natural), Komal (flat), and Teevra (sharp) notes. Some Raags omit certain notes in the Aaroh or Avroh, which is one of the key ways to identify a Raag.
What are Alankaras in relation to Aaroh-Avroh?
Alankaras are structured practice patterns derived from different combinations and variations of Aaroh and Avroh. There are eight major Alankaras in Indian classical music used to develop vocal control, speed, and agility.
