The Malhars
Many ragas are associated with seasons. Malhars evoke the rains. The many facets of this phenomena establish a strong connection with this Raga family. The advent, the outpouring and the misty showers, find melodic expression as musicians evoke the deity that grants this bounty.
As anecdotes have it Raga Miyan-Ki-Malhar was sung to put off the fire and anguish caused by Miyan Tanseen's rendition of Raga Deepak. Like all legends there are many versions of this story and to confirm any one as authentic will be inappropriate. However it is believed that Malhars invoke the rain-gods who bring hope of new life after the gruelling summer.
By James BurkeLIFE Photo Collection
The Invocation
When you set eyes on the first clouds and the first showers reach the earth, you experience a generosity that is beyond measure. Ustad Amir Khan was probably inspired by this joy when he created this composition.
Asia India LandscapesLIFE Photo Collection
The Light and Shadow
The play of notes denotes of the play of light and shadow. Vidushi Kishori Amonkar a great Classical Vocalist of the 21st century masterfully develops this image in the medium that was her home-ground.
Krishna protects gopis from the rain (18th century)Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
The Romance
The memory of the dark clouds and their thunderous ways never discourages the romantic. He sings their praise and describes their coming with love and joy. It is after all a celebration of life itself. Pt. Kumar Gandharva captures this reverence and awe in his Shuddha Malhar.
Bombay Stock And Cotton Exchange (1946) by Margaret Bourke-WhiteLIFE Photo Collection
The Majesty
The romance is after all only a part of it. The heavy downpour, the lightening and the flooding rivers are like the wild dance of the rain-gods. One can listen to this experience as if it were coded in the music of Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi.
Krishna and Radha Strolling in the Rain (circa 1775) by UnknownLos Angeles County Museum of Art
The Quintessential Malhar
Raga Miyan-Ki-Malhar is the widely known and sung raga in this family of many. It is said to be the creation of Miyan Tanseen and thus the name Miyan Malhar. Listen to Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki singing it with love and joy.
Dance of love (rasa lila) (19th century) by UnknownArt Gallery of New South Wales
Nat Malhar
Creating combinations of ragas has been a business of musicians for centuries. This mixing of melodies is done so seamlessly that the new raga is like a totally different colour. This combination of Nat and Malhar is one such beauty.
Krishna and Radha (c. 1750) by Artist/maker unknown, IndianPhiladelphia Museum of Art
Raga Gaud Malhar
A raga as old as the Raga Music never fails to sound new and alive as that is what music is all about. The livid nature of raga flows from the musician who renders it and makes an abstract idea come alive. Pt. Kumar Gandharva was one such artist.
Noon Melodies
Like the Malhars are associated with the rains, Sarangs are associated with the noon. Explore this family of Ragas here.
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