Raga Khamaj: Aroha, Avaroha, Time and Practice Tips
A student's guide to Raga Khamaj of the Khamaj thaat, from the teachers at Surmandal, Kolkata.
About Raga Khamaj
Khamaj has a sweet, playful and romantic feel and is among the ragas most used in thumri and dadra. It is unusual in using both forms of Ni: shuddha Ni when going up and komal Ni when coming down. It gives its name to the Khamaj thaat.
Aroha and avaroha
Aroha (ascent)
Avaroha (descent)
Notation: (k) = komal (flat), (t) = tivra Ma (sharp), an apostrophe after a note (Sa') = upper octave.
Raga Khamaj at a glance
| Thaat | Khamaj |
|---|---|
| Jati | Shadav-Sampurna (six notes up, seven down) |
| Vadi / Samvadi | Ga / Ni |
| Swaras | Shuddha Ni going up, komal Ni coming down. Re is skipped in ascent |
| Time of singing | Late evening to night |
| Mood | Sweet, playful and romantic |
| Typical phrases (pakad) | Ga Ma Dha Ma Ga; Ni(k) Dha Pa Dha Ma Ga |
Timings are traditional guidelines and singers vary. Phrases are typical examples. Your teacher will show the exact form they teach.
Practice tips
- Train the two forms of Ni: shuddha in the ascent, komal in the descent. This habit defines the raga.
- In the ascent skip Re: Sa Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa. In the descent use every note.
- Rest on Ga and Ni, the main notes, and keep the mood light.
- Try a simple light-classical phrase after the basic scale, to hear Khamaj as it is used in thumri and dadra.
Where Raga Khamaj appears in syllabi
Visva-Bharati B.Mus: Semester 1, and a later group with Bhairavi. RBU lists Majh Khamaj, a related raga, in its Semester 5 Thumri and Dadra ragas.
From the official curricula. See our university music courses guide and the Pracheen Kala Kendra exams page. Spellings follow each university.
Learn Raga Khamaj 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 Khamaj FAQ
What is the aroha and avaroha of Raga Khamaj? Aroha: Sa Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa'. Avaroha: Sa' Ni(k) Dha Pa Ma Ga Re Sa.
What is the best time to sing Raga Khamaj? Late evening to night. These timings are traditional guidelines.
What are the vadi and samvadi of Raga Khamaj? Vadi: Ga. Samvadi: Ni.
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