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Raag Bhairavi Notes – Hindustani Classical Music
Indian Classical music is one of the oldest forms of music that exists among the world’s wide range of classical music forms. It is music based on raagas, dwanis, swaras and taals. There are many raagas in Indian Classical music and one such raaga is raag bhairavi.
Raag bhairavi is known as the queen of melodies. Mostly, audiences are mesmerized by the soft(Komal) notes and their gracious execution. Raag Bhairavi is renowned for arousing feelings of amorous or love-related feelings in the rasa (emotional essence) of shringara. This is especially noteworthy in pieces where artists portray the concept of love and longing, demonstrating the versatility of the medium in expressing a range of emotions.
Let us understand in detail about the swaras of raag bhairavi.
Raag Bhairavi Parichay
| SWAR | RE,GA,DHA,NI KOMAL, MA SHUDDHA |
| JATI | SAMPOORN-SAMPOORN |
| THAAT | BHAIRAVI |
| VAADI | MA(MADHYAM) |
| SAMVAADI | SA(SHADAJ) |
| GAYAN SAMAY | PRATAH KAAL PRATHAM PRAHAR |
| AAROH | SA RE GA MA PA DHA NI SA’ |
| AVROH | SA’ NI DHA PA MA GA RE SA |
| PAKAD |
Notes of Raag Bhairavi
Raag bhiravi consists of both shuddha notes and komal notes. Shuddha notes are the notes that are in the original form of existence and komal notes are the flattened form of shuddha notes.
There are 4 komal and one shuddha swaras in raag bhairavi. The swaras re , ga , dha and ni are komal whereas the ma is shuddha. Sa and pa are achal. Achal swara are those swaras that can neither be komal nor shuddha.
Aaroh: sa re(k) ga(k) ma pa dh(k) ni(k) Sa
Avroh: sa’ – ni – dha – pa – ma – ga – re – sa
Modern Interpretations:
Contemporary artists and composers continue to investigate and experiment with Raag Bhairavi, blending it into genres including fusion, jazz, and world music. This helped contribute to its ongoing relevance.
Regional Variations:
Raag Bhairavi may be rendered differently with the inclusion of geographical variations, giving the performances a distinct regional flavor. For example, regional variations in the performance and interpretation of Raag Bhairavi within North India varies as follows:
- Gwalior Gharana (Central India)
- Agra Gharana (North India)
- Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana (Western India)
- Patiala Gharana (Punjab Region)
Additional Sources
Raag Bhairavi | Niladri Kumar & Pandit Subhankar Banerjee | Sitar & Tabla | Music of India
Ashwini Bhide Deshpande: Mira Bhajan in Raag Bhairavi
Raga Bhairav | Album: Lifestory Of A Legend, Bhimsen Joshi | Music Today
FAQs
1) What are the characteristics of Raag Bhairavi?
Characteristics of Raag Bhairavi:
- Thaat: Bhairavi thaat.
- Arohana-Avarohana: Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa, Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Re Sa.
- Pakad: Emphasizes both shuddha and teevra Madhyam, komal Ni, and skips Gandhar in ascent.
2) How is Raag Bhairavi used in Indian classical music?
Usage in Indian Classical Music:
- Often performed in late morning or early afternoon.
- Used in Hindustani and Carnatic traditions.
- Popular for devotional compositions, Thumri, Dadra, and fusion.
3) What are some famous compositions in Raag Bhairavi?
Famous Compositions:
- “Bhavani Dayani” and “Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma.”
- Numerous bandishes in Hindustani classical music.
4) What is the emotional resonance of Raag Bhairavi?
Emotional Resonance:
- Deep, devotional, and contemplative.
- Evokes love, longing, and surrender.
- Versatile, expressing a range of human emotions.
