Raag Megh Malhar
The scent of rain in the monsoon skies and the sounds of Raag Megh Malhar in the air- now, this is nothing short of a splendid evening.
One of the most melodious and evocative raags of Hindustani classical sangeet, is said to be a bend of raags Megh and Malhar. Curious how that’s possible? Here’s everything you need to know about Megh Malhar raag.
How was Raag Megh Malhar created?
The origin of this distinguished raag is steeped from a legend. Among those popular tales, it is attributed to Miyan Tansen’s creation of the raag during the Mughal era.
Did You Know?
There are folklore tales about Tansen’s daughter’s rendition of this raag, brought rains.
The word “Megh” means “cloud” in Sanskrit. I am sure that, from the context you would have guessed that, Megh Malhar raga is believed to have the mystical ability to summon rain.
What is the musical structure of Megh Malhar Raga
Thaat | Kafi |
Aroha | Sa Ma Re Pa Ma Pa Ni i Sa |
Avroha | Sa Ni Pa Ma Re, Ma Re Sa |
Pakad | Re Re Sa, Ni Sa, Ma Re Pa, Ma Re Ni Sa |
Vadi | Sa |
Samvadi | Pa |
Samay | Anytime during the rainy season |
Jati | Audav- Audav |
Did You Know?
How to sing Raag Megh Malhar notation for beginners?
This monsoon raag in Indian classical music uses the Komal and Shudh swaras, as follows:
Sa- Shadaj
Re- Shudh Rishab
Ma- Shudh Madhyam
Pa- Panchama
Ni- Komal Nishad
Swaras in Aroha and Avaroha are in Vakra form. Some versions of Megh Malhar use both komal Gandhar (Ga) and komal Dhaivat (Dha) with Andholan (glides) to bring out the “Malhar flavor.”
The Vaadi (most important swara) and Samvaadi (the next important swara) are Sa and Pa which gives it a calming tonal quality. Graceful andholan and gamakas are often used to evoke a deep emotional response among the listeners.
Emotional essence and Raag Megh Malhar’s mood
The sound of the Raag Megh Malhar notes are characterized by its soothing and serene mood. Well, how else can one summon the rain! Furthermore, the mood is enhanced by the uses of meends, creating a rich expressive landscape.
In addition, the raag brings joy and relief just as the mighty droplets from heaven bring prosperity and happiness.
What are the Megh Malhar Raga practice techniques?
Vocal modulations
Correct use of andholan using Ga or Dha makes your renditions 10x soulful. Moreover, meends between Re and Ma is essential to deliver the emotional depth.
Improvisation techniques
Slow alaps with apparent highlighting of the swar combinations establish the mood of the raga perfectly. You can gradually introduce the swaras and the combinations using the modulation mentioned above.
Popular compositions
How to recognize Megh Malhar phrases?
Recognizing a Raag from hearing it relies in search for its unique swar combinations and the emotions it delivers. Here are a few tips you need to look for to recognize Raag Megh Malhar notation.
Pakad
Pakad is a unique phrase that each raag bears. Megh Malhar raag pakad typically goes like:
Re Re Sa, Ni Sa, Ma Re Pa, Ma Re Ni Sa
Movement of swar combinations
Basically, movement of swaras in aroha and avroha including jumps and glides define the feel of Megh Malhar.
Vadi and Samvadi
Look for emphasis on Vadi and Samvadi swaras. Sa and Pa will be more frequently used in raga Megh Malhar.
Rasa or the mood
This raga is known for its serene, romantic and joyful scenes. Phrases invoking these moods are likely to be Raag Megh Malhar.
Related raags
Compare this raag with other related raags such as Miyan ki Malhar or Gaud Malhar.
Megh Malhar vs Miyan ki Malhar
| Features | Raag Megh Malhar | Raag Miyan Ki Malhar |
|---|---|---|
|
Thaat |
Kafi |
Kafi |
|
Aroha |
Sa Ma Re Pa Ma Pa Ni i Sa |
Ni Sa Ma Re Pa Ni Dha Ni Sa |
|
Avroha |
Sa Ni Pa Ma Re, Ma Re Sa |
Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Pa (Ga) Ma Re Sa |
|
Pakad |
Re Re Sa, Ni Sa, Ma Re Pa, Ma Re Ni Sa |
Ni Sa Ma Re Pa D Ni Ni Sa, Ni Pa Ma Pa (Ga) Ma Re Sa |
|
vaadi |
sa |
pa |
|
samvaadi |
pa |
sa |
|
Samay |
Anytime during the rainy season |
2nd prahar of the Night, Rainy Season |
|
Jati |
Audav- Audav |
Shadav- Shadhav |
|
Mood |
Serene, soothing. |
Majestic, emotionaly intense |
|
Complexity |
Moderate |
Complex |
How to master Megh Malhar improvisation?
Let me give you a few pointers to remember while learning and practicing this beautiful Raag.
- Begin with simple sargams
Learn simple sargam geeths to understand the phrasing and different swar combinations used in the Raag. - Focus on the modulations required
Perfect implementation of modulations such as andholan, meends and ornamentations such as gamakas is essential. Pay attention to it to bring out the emotional depth. - Listen to other performers
Listening to the maestros perceive and perform the ragas can provide insight to its nuances and improvisation styles. - Get guidance from a teacher
What could be better than a person well versed in ragas and talas explaining clearly! Raagas like Megh Malhar are complex to understand and so, the right guidance can help you master it.
Benefits of listening to Megh Malhar
Listening to this monsoon raag in Indian classical music, brings forth a sense of peace and rejuvenation. It is believed to bring emotional calmness and help reduce stress. And that is why this is one of the raags used for meditation.
How to use Megh Malhar for meditation?
- Choose the right time- evening during the rainy season,
- Choose a recording of 10-30 mins to match your meditation duration,
- Sit in the right posture,
- Take deep breaths, while listening the sound of Megh Malhar raga,
After the rendition ends, reflect in silence and end your meditation.
Final Thoughts!
“Through the raga, we touch the eternal,” said Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.
Be it Carnatic vs Hindustani monsoon ragas, listening or performing them gives an eternal joy. Book a free demo with musicmaster, today, to learn how each raga unfolds different emotions.
FAQs
Sa- Shadaj
Re- Shudh Rishab
Ma- Shudh Madhyam
Pa- Panchama
Ni- Komal Nishad
