Raag Jaunpuri: The Evening Raag of Peace and Melancholy
MusicChamps
Music Educator
Introduction
Raag Jaunpuri is one of the most captivating and beloved Raags in the Hindustani classical tradition. Named after the city of Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh — a historical centre of culture and music — this Raag evokes a sense of deep emotion, tranquility, and meditative introspection.
It holds a special place in the hearts of musicians and listeners alike, traversing the full emotional spectrum from peaceful contemplation to gentle melancholy.
Raag Jaunpuri — Parichay
| Feature | Detail | | ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------- | | Thaat | Asavari | | Jati | Audav-Audav (Pentatonic — 5 notes each) | | Aaroh | Ni Re Ga Ma Dha Ni Sa | | Avroh | Sa Ni Dha Ma Ga Re Sa | | Vadi | Ma | | Samvadi | Sa | | Gayan Samay | Late Evening | | Season | Monsoon | | Rasa | Shanta (Peace and Tranquility) | | Compositions | Khayal, Thumri, Dadra, Bhajan, Light Classical |
Aaroh and Avroh
Aaroh (Ascending):
Ni Re Ga Ma Dha Ni Sa'
Avroh (Descending):
Sa' Ni Dha Ma Ga Re Sa
Note the absence of Pa (Pancham) in the Aaroh. This omission is a defining characteristic of Raag Jaunpuri — the missing Pa gives the ascending scale a sense of incompleteness and longing, which powerfully contributes to its melancholic and meditative flavour.
Cultural Significance
Raag Jaunpuri has been a cherished part of the classical repertoire for centuries. Its versatility makes it equally accessible to:
- Vocalists — who use it for Khayal and Thumri
- Instrumentalists — particularly sitar and sarod players
- Light classical and devotional performers — in Dadra, Bhajan, and semi-classical forms
Beyond the concert stage, Jaunpuri has also found its way into film music and popular compositions, widening its reach to audiences beyond the classical tradition.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What Thaat does Raag Jaunpuri belong to?
Raag Jaunpuri belongs to the Asavari Thaat — one of the ten fundamental melodic modes (Thaats) in Hindustani classical music. It shares the Thaat with Raags like Asavari and Darbari Kanada.
What is the Aaroh-Avroh of Raag Jaunpuri?
The Aaroh (ascending) of Raag Jaunpuri is: Ni Re Ga Ma Dha Ni Sa. The Avroh (descending) is: Sa Ni Dha Ma Ga Re Sa. Pa (Pancham) is absent in the Aaroh, which contributes to its melancholic character.
What emotion does Raag Jaunpuri evoke?
Raag Jaunpuri is associated with the Shanta Rasa — a feeling of peace, tranquility, and meditative calm. It is often described as evoking deep emotion and introspection, particularly suited to late evening performance.
What compositions are performed in Raag Jaunpuri?
Raag Jaunpuri is performed in Khayal, Thumri, Dadra, Bhajan, and light classical forms. It is equally popular among vocalists and instrumentalists.
