Raga Bhupali: Aroha, Avaroha, Time and Practice Tips
A student's guide to Raga Bhupali of the Kalyan thaat, from the teachers at Surmandal, Kolkata.
About Raga Bhupali
Bhupali is a five-note (pentatonic) raga. It is easy to learn but takes care to make interesting. With no Ma and no Ni, the melody has an open, peaceful sound. It is a favourite for beginners and is common in devotional and light music. It uses the same notes as Deshkar, a morning raga with a different emphasis.
Aroha and avaroha
Aroha (ascent)
Avaroha (descent)
Notation: (k) = komal (flat), (t) = tivra Ma (sharp), an apostrophe after a note (Sa') = upper octave.
Raga Bhupali at a glance
| Thaat | Kalyan |
|---|---|
| Jati | Audav-Audav (five notes) |
| Vadi / Samvadi | Ga / Dha |
| Swaras | All notes shuddha. Ma and Ni are not used |
| Time of singing | First part of the night (roughly 6 to 9 pm) |
| Mood | Peaceful and devotional |
| Typical phrases (pakad) | Sa Re Ga, Pa Ga, Dha Pa Ga Re, Ga Re Sa |
Timings are traditional guidelines and singers vary. Phrases are typical examples. Your teacher will show the exact form they teach.
Practice tips
- Sing the five notes slowly with the drone, and rest on Ga and Dha, the main notes.
- Do not touch Ma or Ni, even in passing. Avoiding them is what keeps the raga pure.
- Practise the phrase Dha Pa Ga, Re Sa until it is smooth and relaxed.
- Try simple alankar in the five notes, such as Sa Re Ga, Re Ga Pa, Ga Pa Dha, Pa Dha Sa.
Where Raga Bhupali appears in syllabi
Visva-Bharati B.Mus: Semester 1, and the Dhrupad and Dhamar course.
From the official curricula. See our university music courses guide and the Pracheen Kala Kendra exams page. Spellings follow each university.
Learn Raga Bhupali with a teacher
Ragas are best learned by listening to a teacher and being corrected. Surmandal teaches Hindustani classical and semi-classical vocal one-to-one at Sonarpur, Bansdroni and online. Book a free trial class.
Raga Bhupali FAQ
What is the aroha and avaroha of Raga Bhupali? Aroha: Sa Re Ga Pa Dha Sa'. Avaroha: Sa' Dha Pa Ga Re Sa.
What is the best time to sing Raga Bhupali? First part of the night (roughly 6 to 9 pm). These timings are traditional guidelines.
What are the vadi and samvadi of Raga Bhupali? Vadi: Ga. Samvadi: Dha.
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