Raga Library: Aroha, Avaroha, Time and Practice Tips
Guides to the ragas students meet first, written by the teachers at Surmandal, with the university and exam syllabi where each one appears.
How to read these pages
Each page gives the aroha (ascent), avaroha (descent), vadi and samvadi, time of singing, mood, typical phrases and practice tips. We start with six ragas that appear in the vocal curricula of Rabindra Bharati University and Visva-Bharati, and in many teachers' first lessons. More will follow.
Notation: (k) = komal (flat), (t) = tivra Ma (sharp), an apostrophe after a note (Sa') = upper octave.
Raga Yaman
Kalyan thaat · First part of the night (roughly 6 to 9 pm)
Aroha, avaroha & tips →Raga Bhupali
Kalyan thaat · First part of the night (roughly 6 to 9 pm)
Aroha, avaroha & tips →Raga Bhairav
Bhairav thaat · Early morning (roughly 6 to 9 am)
Aroha, avaroha & tips →Raga Kafi
Kafi thaat · Late evening to night
Aroha, avaroha & tips →Raga Khamaj
Khamaj thaat · Late evening to night
Aroha, avaroha & tips →Raga Bhimpalasi
Kafi thaat · Afternoon (roughly 12 to 3 pm)
Aroha, avaroha & tips →Using the library
- Preparing for a degree? See the ragas in the RBU and Visva-Bharati curricula.
- Planning an exam? See the Pracheen Kala Kendra exam dates and levels.
- Want printable practice sheets? Get the free practice sheets.
- Learn the history behind the ragas in our history and gurus articles.
Ragas are best learned with a teacher who can listen and correct you. Book a free trial class.
Learn Ragas with a Teacher
One-to-one classes at Sonarpur, Bansdroni or online.