Raag: Chaal, Bandish & Lakshan Geet

Now it is the time to start posting Raags. I wrote a post about ‘properties of a Raag‘ a while ago. You may revise that post. As described in that post, each Raag will be posted with the following information:
1. Raag Name
2. Modern Thaat Association
3. Jati (7-6-5 notes etc.)
4. Vadi and Samvadi Notes
5. Vikrat and/or Verjit Notes
6. Time of performance
7. Aroh (Ascending) and
8. Avroh (Descending)

These elements are essential to learn ‘about’ a Raag. However, to perform a Raag, the following are also necessary:

Chaal (flow): Many Raags share notes. Every Raag has its unique flow of notes, however. I call this "essential phrases." One must know these phrases to perform a Raag properly. The first and the minimum requirement would be to know a Raag’s ‘Pakad’, the catch phrase of the Raag. I will start with the ‘Pakads’. Later on, we will get into detailed Chaals.

Bandish (composition): There is no better way to learn a Raag than learning a tune in it. It is easier to see the rules of a Raag illustrated in a composition. I will post at least one composition for each Raag.

Lakshan Geet: Many classical composers created songs about Raags and then composed them in that Raag. By learning the composition and the words, the Raag is fully revealed. These words explain the chaal, vadi/samvadi notes and other essential information about the Raag. Wherever possible, I will post a Lakshan Geet. Although, this may not have any value for those who don’t understand Hindi or Brij.

First, I will post the first Raag from each Thaat, also know as Ashirya Raag. Then the randomness will follow. Enjoy.

sangtar.com > Music Theory > Raagkosh

6 thoughts on “Raag: Chaal, Bandish & Lakshan Geet

  1. it happned to open your blog while searching for lakshangeet of ragas.
    i just started learnig music and i will have to go through your blog.
    thnks

  2. Dear Sangtar
    Your contribution on ICM is highly appreciated. I would like to make a suggestion. Information on ragas is available on line-what is not available is the chalans and detailed alaaps which only a master can teach. There are teachers who each ICm but their knowledge of detailed chaals and alaaps is limited. For years i have been struggling with this.
    So far no one has made an attempt to do this.
    If you could do this with the help of a knowledgeable person it will be a great service to thousands of music lovers who are longing for such info.
    Thanks
    M. Sahayam -a school teacher in Sydney Australia

  3. Dear Sangtar,

    Thank you for your wonderful blog,Im a student of Indian music,But I used to Play Guitar so the bridge between indian and western music for me was your blog.now im learing sitar and hope to enrich my music theroy and understanding with you.I would request you to post some Bandishes of popular raagas,It would be a huge help.

    Thank You.

  4. Hi Sangtar, I was just surfing the internet for the detailed tabla information for a project I am doing in my Bs.CS final year ,found your site pretty informative about it but I have certain questions related to music and one of them has been pointed out by Manivel Shayam i.e. the ragas chalans and detailed alaaps information,since my project demands it.Is there any way I can contact you for online discussion about the project and discussing such essentials that my project demands.I will be giving you credits for your help in my project.

    Thanks!
    Wesley Khan- a Computer Science student

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