The voice within

Raga Zeelaf is a rare raga in Indian classical music. It's derived from thaat Bhairav. It is said that this raga is invented by Amir Khusro. The swaras of this raga are: There are famous compositions of Zeelaf raga in Sufi music.

  Yamuna Kalyani raga is a janya raga in 65th melakartha of Mecha Kalyani. It's a popular deshiya raga. It's also known as Yaman Kalyani. Shadja, chatushruthi rishabha, antara gandhara, prathi madhyama, panchama and chatushruthi daivatha are the swara sthanas of this raga. Some of the famous compositions are Krishna nee begane, adi tala by vyasaraya swamy. Pavadisu paramatmane by Purandara dasaru, parama shivatmajam, adi tala by muthuswamy Dixit. References: Raga Tana Pallavi by Vedavathi, ragas and raginis by gangoly, history of indian classical music by Goswami O

There are no ragas from the letter x. So I'm going to share the names of the 12 mudras in carnatic classical music, composed by vaggeyakaras. 1. Vaggeyakara mudre 2. Raga mudre 3. Tala mudre 4. Acharya mudre 5. Raja mudre 6. Vamsha mudre 7. Prabhanda mudre 8. Nayaka mudre 9. Stala mudre 10. Birudu mudre 11. Lakshana Grantha mudre 12. Itare mudres

Walachi Raga is also known as walaji raga. It's a oudava raga. It's a janya raga in 16th melakartha of chakravaka. Popular compositions of this raga are: Jalandhara supithasthe by Muthiah Bhagavatar. Santatam ninne by G N Balasubramaniam References: Raga Tana Pallavi by Vedavathi

Varaali Raga is the third raga in seventh Rishichakra.i.e. 39th melakartha raga. It's also known as jhalavarali. Apart from shadja and panchama, shuddha rishabha, shuddha gandhara, prathi madhyama, shuddha daivatha and kakali nishada are the swara sthanas of this raga. This is a very popular prathi madhyama raga. In ancient times this raga was known as varaati. References: Raga Tana Pallavi by Vedavathi, ragas and raginis by gangoly,historical study of music by Subba Rao, history of indian classical music by Goswami O

Udaya Ravi Chandrika Raga is the janya raga of 20th melakartha Nata Bhairavi.  Shadja, sadharana gandhara, shuddha madhyama, panchama and kaishiki nishada are the swara sthanas of this raga. This is a saarvakalika raga and rakti raga. The jaaru gamaka is used in the raga which enhances the beauty of the raga. Some of the famous compositions are Lakshya geethe: chakra khandita, Dhruva tala by Subbarama Dixit. Himagiri thanaye , adi tala by Muthiah Bhagavatar. Varamu,adi tala by pattam Subramanya Iyer References: Raga Tana Pallavi by Vedavathi, ragas and raginis by gangoly, the history of indian classical music by Goswami O

Todi raga is the 8th melakartha raga. Because of the kapatiyadi sutra, Todi raga is also known as hanuma Todi. Shadja, shuddha rishabha, sadharana gandhara, shuddha madhyama, panchama, shuddha daivatha and kaishiki nishada are the swara sthanas of this raga. The jeeva swaras are gandhara, madhyama and daivatha. Vaggeyakaras have composed many kritis in this raga. Even though it's a sarva kalika raga, it has to be sung in the evening time. Some of the famous compositions are Swarajati: Ra ra ninu nammiti, rupaka tala by RN Doreswamy Varna: Gaana loludaina, khanda Dhruva tala by Veene Sheshanna. Kriti: koluvaramagada, adi tala by Thyagaraja. Jesinadella , adi tala by Thyagaraja. Re manasa, rupaka tala by Thyagaraja. Sri subramanyam, adi tala by muthuswamy Dixit. Nannu brochutaku, adi tala by Shyama shastri. References: Raga Tana Pallavi by Vedavathi, ragas and raginis by gangoly, the history of indian classical music by Goswami O

Shanmukha Priya Raga is the 56th Mela raga. It's the second raga of dishi chakra. Apart from shadja and panchama, chatushruthi rishabha, sadharana gandhara, prathi madhyama, shuddha daivatha and kaishiki nishada are the swara sthanas of this raga. This is a rakti raga with sarva swara gamaka varika. I have sung the Kriti Siddhivinayak am, rupaka tala.( Next time I'll upload my kuchcheri video). Famous compositions are Vaddanevaru, adi tala by Thyagaraja. Sadashraye, rupaka tala by muthuswamy Dixit. Marivere dikkevarayya, adi tala by pattam Subramanya Iyer

Ranjini raga is the janya raga of 59th melakartha dharmavathiya. It's a oudava raga. Shadja, chatushruthi rishabha, sadharana gandhara, prathi madhyama, chatushruthi daivatha and kakali nishada are the swara sthanas of this raga. Rishabha and daivatha are the chaya, Jeeva and nyasa swaras. This is a popular raga as there are many soul touching renderings. Some of the famous compositions are Pranamamya ham , triputa tala by Mysuru vasudevacharya. Darmargachara rupaka tala by Thyagaraja. Ranjini Niranjani, adi tala by G N Balasubramaniam. Guruguha dasanu dasoham, chaturashra rupaka tala by Mysuru R Chandrashekhar aish. References: ragas and raginis by gangoly, historical study of music by Premalatha, history of indian classical music by Goswami O

The quasimathematical relations between a man or woman who possess all worldly gaiety and that of a learned soul of brahmananda links the art and science in ancient Indian studies. There are no ragas starting from the letter Q. Thus, sharing a fact related to Indian classical music.

Purvi Kalyani Raga is the janya raga of the 52 melakartha gamanashrama. Apart from shadja and panchama, shuddha rishabha, antara gandhara, prathi madhyama, chatushruthi daivatha and kakali nishada are the swara sthanas of this raga. Deena bhava is expressed through this raga. Some of the famous compositions are Varna: Sami ninne, khanda matya tala by Veene Sheshanna. Kriti: ninnuvina gamari, mishra eka tala by Shyama shastri. Paraloka sadhaname, adi tala by Thyagaraja. Gnanamosagarada , rupaka tala by Thyagaraja References: ragas and raginis by gangoly, history of South Indian music by Goswami O

There aren't many ragas beginning from the letter"O". Omkara Priya raga is a janya raga of 53rd melakartha gamanashrama. Aarohana: S R1 M2 G3 M2 P D2 N3 S Avarohana: S N3 P M2 G3 S This raga is a saarvakalika raga and can be sung at any time of the day. Not much information is available for this raga.

Naatakuranji Raga is the janya raga of 28th melakartha harikamboji. It's a upanga raga.  Shuddha madhyama, chatushruthi rishabha, antara gandhara, chatushruthi daivatha and kaishiki nishada are the swara sthanas of this raga. Karuna and bhakti rasa are the pradhana raga. Some of the famous kritis are: Manasu Vishaya, adi tala by Thyagaraja. Budhamashrayami, jhampe tala, muthuswamy Dixit. Tripura sundari, adi tala by Subbarama Dixit. Sarasa ninne,adi tala by pattam Subramanya Iyer References: ragas and raginis by gangoly, the story of Indian classical music by Goswami O

 Mohana raga is the janya raga of 28th melakartha harikamboji. It's a very popular oudava raga. This raga is more than 1000 years old. It is mentioned in the ancient Greek school of music. Mohana raga is also mentioned in ancient kannada and sanskrit Granthas. Shadja, chatushruthi rishabha, antara gandhara, panchama and chatushruthi daivatha are the swara sthanas of this raga. All the swaras can be sung in kampitha gamaka. This raga can be expressed from shringara rasa to Shanta rasa. Vaggeyakaras have composed many kritis in this raga. Popular compositions are: Varna: ninnukori, adi tala by Swati tirunal maharaja. Sarasijakshi, ata tala by Veena Kuppayyar. Kriti: Rama ninu nammina , adi tala by Thyagaraja.  References: the history of South Indian classical music by Subba Rao, ragas and raginis by gangoly

Lalita Panchama Raga is the janya raga of 15th melakartha of mayamalavagowla. This is a shadava vakra sampoorna raga. Apart from shadja and panchama, shuddha rishabha, antara gandhara, shuddha madhyama, shuddha daivatha and kakali nishada are the swara sthanas of this raga. Pa in Arohana is varjya. Famous kritis in this raga are: Parama purusham, khanda chapu tala by Swati tirunal maharaja Sri Vidya pati, adi tala by maharaja Jaya Chamaraja Wodeyar. References: story of Indian music by Goswami O, ragas and raginis by gangoly

Kamboji raga also known as kambodi isin Tamil, is the bashanga janya raga of 28th melakartha in harikamboji. This is an ancient raga. Chatushruthi rishabha, Antara gandhara, shuddha madhyama, chatushruthi daivatha kaishiki and kakali nishada are the swara sthanas of this raga. There are many varieties of compositions in this raga. All the swaras can be sung alongwith gamakas.  This raga is sung during auspicious occasions and in concerts. This raga is mentioned in Granthas such as Sangeetha rathnakara and Sangeetha makaranda. Kamboji is known as kamodari in Kathakali. Some of the famous compositions are: Geethe : mandaradhara, adi tala, by pydala Gurumurthy Shastri. Swarajati : Ga_ pa ma ga ri ga sa_ chaturashra triputa tala, by Veene Sheshanna Varna : Intachalamu, ata tala by Pallavi Gopala Iyer Kriti : Ratna kanchuka dhaarini, mishra chapu tala by Muthiah Bhagavatar O Rangashaayi, adi tala by Thyagaraja Devara Nama : vaagdeviya, ata tala by Purandara dasaru Reference

Jhunjhuti raga also known as jhinjhoti raga is the janya raga of 28th melakartha hari kamboji. This is a nishadaantya raga. Shadja, chatushruthi rishabha, antara gandhara, shuddha madhyama, panchama, chatushruthi daivatha kaishiki nishada are the swara sthanas. This raga indicates shringara and bhakti rasa and many compositions have been created based on this. This raga can be sung at any time of the day. Some of the famous kritis are gangemampaahi ( khanda eka tala) by muthuswamy Dixit, Gori mat maaro (adi tala) by Swathi thirunal maharaja. References: story of Indian music by Goswami O, understanding Indian music by B Joshi

Indumati raga is the janya raga of 51 melakartha kamavardhini. Chatushruthi rishabha, antara gandhara, panchama, shuddha madhyama and kakali nishada are the swara sthanas of this raga. Indumati raga is saarvakalika raga. There's not much information about this raga but one of the famous kritis in this raga is Lavanya Balakrishna, adi tala  by B K Padmanabha Rao.

Hamsadhvani raga is the janya raga of 29th melakartha DheeraShankarabharana. It's oudava raga. Ramaswamy Dixit, father of muthuswamy Dixit, has created this raga. Shadja, chatushruthi rishabha, antara gandhara, panchama and kakali nishada are the swara sthanas of this raga. This raga can be sung at any time of the day and for all the auspicious occasions. Many kritis in this raga are composed for Lord Ganesha. There's plenty of opportunity for a good alapana and swara prasthara. Vaggeyakaras have also composed kritis in hamsadhvani raga. Some of the famous kritis are: Gam ganapathe by muthiah bhagawathar, vathapi ganapathim by muthuswamy Dixit, gaja vadana by purandara dasa, siddhivinayakam (mishra chapu tala) by Mysuru c rangayya, kodu bega divyamathi by purandara dasa. References: ragas and raginis by gangoly, story of Indian music by Goswami O, carnatic music composers by Dayanand Rao

 Gundakriya raga is the 15th melakartha mayamalavagowla, oudava vakra sampoorna raga. The swara sthanas of the raga are shadja, panchama, shuddha rishabha, shuddha madhyama, kakali nishada, shuddha daivatha and antara gandhara. There's a very old story for this raga. Narada Maharshi had become very self centred and to make Narada lose this selfish and self centredness, Anjaneya sings this raga and makes a rock melt. Famous compositions in this raga are: intanuchuvarnimpa by Thyagaraja Rajarajendra chola by muthuswami dikshit Tharunamide nannu by thiruvottiyooru tyagIyer References: the origin of raga by Bandopadhyay, carnatic music history by Dayanand Rao, story of Indian music by Goswami O

 Farz raga is the janya raga of 15th melakartha mayamalavagowla.  It's a shadava sampoorna raga. Apart from shadja and panchama, the shuddha rishabha, antara gandhara, shuddha madhyama, shuddha daivatha, and kakali nishada are the swara sthanas. The speciality of this raga is that the alapana can be limitless. Some of the famous kritis are: neelayatakshi by Shyama shastri, pannagashayana by swati tirunal maharaja, Paramaatmani by tiruvattiyur thyag Iyer, Thillana: thanomthanana  by Ramanad Srinivas Iyer References: history of South Indian music by Ranga Ramanuja AR, fundamentals of raga and tala by Ghosh N

Esha manohari raga is the janma raga of 28th melakartha hari kamboji. This is a sampoorna, vakra sampoorna janya raga. Apart from shadja and panchama, chatushruthi rishabha, antara gandhara, shuddha madhyama, chatushruthi daivatha and kaishiki nishada are the swara sthanas. The beauty of this raga is indescribable. The popular kritis in this raga are manasa Sri Rama chandruni by Thyagaraja, Sri gananatham bhajare by muthuswami dikshit, himagirisha manonmani by muthiah bhagawathar, shambho gangadhara by Gopala Krishna Bharathi.

Darbar raga is derived from 22nd melakartha of kharaharapriya janma raga. swara sthanas for this raga are shadja, chatushruthi rishabha, sadharana gandhara, shuddha madhyama, panchama, chatushruthi daivatha, kaishiki nishada. The nyasa swaras are rishabha and nishada. Darbar is a gamakavarika rakti raga. This is very useful for musical plays as well. Darbar raga is closely associated with nayaki raga. Popular Varnas in this raga are chalamela  by thiruvottiyooru tyagiyer, intamodi by Subbarama Dixit and daaritheliyaka by pattam subramanya Iyer. Famous kritis are yochana by Thyagaraja, Sri venugopala deva by koteeshwar Iyer, ramabhirama by Thyagaraja and many more. Reference: Sangeetha darpanam by damodara pundit, Thyagaraja by krishna Swamy, origin of raga by Bandopadhyay s.

Chaarukeshi raga is the 26th melakartha raga. This is the fifth raga of fifth baana chakra. The swara sthanas are chatushruthi rishabha, antara gandhara, shuddha madhyama, shuddha daivatha, and kaishiki nishada. The purvanga of this raga indicate shankarabharana raga and the uttaranga of this raga indicate thodi raga. This is a saarvakalika raga and was brought to light by Thyagaraja Swamy. One of the famous composition in chaarukeshi raga is Aadumodigalade by Thyagaraja Swamy. Reference: The origin of raga- Bandopadhyay s, The story of Indian music- Goswami O.

Bilahari raga This raga is derived from 29 th  melakartha of DheeraShankarabharana. The swara sthanas of this raga are shadja, chatushrutirishabha, antara gandhara, shuddha madhyama, panchama, chatushruthi daivatha and kakali nishada. So this raga is also known as bhaashanga raga. Although this is an ancient raga, it is used in all times. This raga is nurtured with daatu and janti swaras. The utsaha and veera rasas are associated with this raga. Varna, jathi swaras and kritis are composed with this raga. The famous kriti in this raga is Sri chamundeshwari composed by Mysuru Vasudevacharya.

 Aarabhi is a raga. Raga is an ancient theory which is prominent in Indian music. In order to understand Indian music, one has to have raga gnaana (knowledge of ragas). It is often referred to "mode" in western music. The raga forms are based on various moods and seasons. Some ragas are sung in the night time, early morning and day time. Aarabhi is a janma raga in 29th melakarta of Dheera shankarabharana. The jeeva swaras are Oudava sampoorna raga, upanga ghana raga, rishabha, madhyama and daivatha. The nyasa swaras are rishabha and panchama. Aarabhi raga is used with janti swaras which is like a decorative piece to hear. Shlokas and prayers are mostly sung in this raga. This raga is a first priority for shringaara, veera and adbhuta rasas. Happiness and joy are the moods expressed with this raga. The most popular song in aarabhi raga is Re Re Sri Ramachandra  in carnatic classical music.