Raga - Rasa
In Carnatic music, certain ragas are known to evoke specific emotions, with examples like
Amrithavarshini and Rethigowlai often associated with happiness, while ragas like Shivaranjani
and Vasantha Bhairavi can convey sadness.
Here's a more detailed look at some ragas and their associated emotions:
Ragas Evoking Happiness/Joy:
● Amrithavarshini: Widely believed to be a happy raga.
● Reethigowlai: Another raga often associated with happiness.
● Nattai: Known for its cheerful and lively nature.
● Abheri: Often used to evoke a feeling of joy and happiness.
● Mohanam: Known as Bhoopali in Indian Carnatic tradition, this raga is helpful for those
suffering from depression and has a soothing effect.
● Kadanakuthukalam: Invokes a feeling of happiness.
● Hamsadhwani: Known as "the sound of swans," this raga fills the listener with positive
energy and a sense of well-being.
● Pilu: A pleasant raga that is a mix of various emotions, including hope, joy, and heartbreak,
often associated with romance.
Ragas Evoking Sadness/Longing:
● Shivaranjani: Often associated with sadness.
● Vasantha Bhairavi: Can portray an element of sadness.
● Shubhapanthuvarali: Invokes a feeling of sadness.
● Darbari Kanada: Known for its deep, serious mood, it is often used to express pathos and
gravity.
●
● Begada: A night raga, known for its deep and introspective mood.
● Bhimpalasi: Evokes feelings of longing and introspection, making it ideal for evening
performances.
● Kharaharapriya: Known for its emotional depth and is often used to express longing and
devotion.
● Miyan Ki Todi: Mostly pervaded by a pensive, mournful mood.
Other Emotional Ragas:
● Bhoopali: Known as Mohanam in Indian Carnatic tradition, this raga is of major help to
those suffering from depression.
● Yamuna Kalyani: Known for its elegance and sophistication.
● Raga Bhairavi: Can evoke different moods in the listener, and relates to the Mahavidya
goddess named Bhairavi.
Note: The emotional impact of a raga can also depend on how it is sung or played, as different
frequencies can resonate with our mind and body.
Here are the Aarohanam (ascending scale) and Avarohanam (descending scale) for the ragas
you listed:
Ragas Evoking Happiness/Joy
1. Amrithavarshini
• Aarohanam: S G3 M2 P N3 S
• Avarohanam: S N3 P M2 G3 S
2. Reethigowlai
Aarohanam: S G2 R2 G2 M1 N2 N2 D2 N2 S
• Avarohanam: S N2 D2 P M1 G2 R2 S
3. Nattai
3. Nattai
• Aarohanam: S R3 G3 M1 P N3 S
• Avarohanam: S N3 P M1 R3 S
4. Abheri
• Aarohanam: S G2 M1 P N2 S
• Avarohanam: S N2 D2 P M1 G2 R2 S
5. Mohanam (Bhoopali in Hindustani)
• Aarohanam: S R2 G3 P D2 S
• Avarohanam: S D2 P G3 R2 S
6. Kadanakuthukalam
• Aarohanam: S R3 G3 M1 P D3 N3 S
• Avarohanam: S N3 D3 P M1 G3 R3 S
7. Hamsadhwani
• Aarohanam: S R2 G3 P N3 S
• Avarohanam: S N3 P G3 R2 S
8. Pilu (Hindustani raga, approximate scale in Carnatic)
• Aarohanam: S G2 M1 P D2 N2 S
• Avarohanam: S N2 D2 P M1 G2 R2 S
Ragas Evoking Sadness/Longing
9. Shivaranjani
• Aarohanam: S R2 G2 P D2 S
• Avarohanam: S D2 P G2 R2 S
10. Vasantha Bhairavi
• Aarohanam: S R2 G3 M1 P D1 N2 S
• Avarohanam: S N2 D1 P M1 G3 R2 S
11. Shubhapanthuvarali
11. Shubhapanthuvarali
• Aarohanam: S R1 G2 M2 P D1 N3 S
• Avarohanam: S N3 D1 P M2 G2 R1 S
12. Darbari Kanada
• Aarohanam: S R2 G2 M1 P D2 N2 S
• Avarohanam: S N2 D2 P M1 G2 R2 S
13. Begada
• Aarohanam: S G3 R2 G3 M1 P N3 S
• Avarohanam: S N3 D2 P M1 G3 R2 S
14. Bhimpalasi
• Aarohanam: S G2 M1 P N2 S
• Avarohanam: S N2 D2 P M1 G2 R2 S
15. Kharaharapriya
• Aarohanam: S R2 G2 M1 P D2 N2 S
• Avarohanam: S N2 D2 P M1 G2 R2 S
16. Miyan Ki Todi
• Aarohanam: S R1 G2 M2 D1 N3 S
• Avarohanam: S N3 D1 P M2 G2 R1 S
Other Emotional Ragas
17. Bhoopali (Same as Mohanam in Carnatic)
• Aarohanam: S R2 G3 P D2 S
• Avarohanam: S D2 P G3 R2 S
18. Yamuna Kalyani
• Aarohanam: S R2 G3 M1 P N3 S
• Avarohanam: S N3 D2 P M1 G3 R2 S
19. Bhairavi
• Aarohanam: S R2 G2 M1 P D1 N2 S
• Avarohanam: S N2 D1 P M1 G2 R2 S
• Avarohanam: S N2 D1 P M1 G2 R2 S
Here are the Aarohanam (ascending scale) and Avarohanam (descending scale) for each raga
in keyboard notations (Western notations):
Legend for Keyboard Notations:
• S=C
• R1 = C# | R2 = D | R3 = D#
• G1 = D# | G2 = E | G3 = F
• M1 = F | M2 = F#
• P=G
• D1 = G# | D2 = A | D3 = A#
• N1 = A# | N2 = B | N3 = C
Ragas Evoking Happiness/Joy
1. Amrithavarshini
• Aarohanam: C – F – F# – G – B – C
• Avarohanam: C – B – G – F# – F – C
2. Reethigowlai
•Aarohanam: C – E – D – E – F – B – B – A – B – C
•Avarohanam: C – B – A – G – F – E – D –C
3. Nattai
• Aarohanam: C – D# – F – F – G – B – C
• Avarohanam: C – B – G – F – D# – C
4. Abheri
• Aarohanam: C – E – F – G – B – C
• Avarohanam: C – B – A – G – F – E – D – C
5. Mohanam (Bhoopali in Hindustani)
• Aarohanam: C – D – F – G – A – C
• Avarohanam: C – A – G – F – D – C
6. Kadanakuthukalam
6. Kadanakuthukalam
• Aarohanam: C – D# – F – F – G – A# – B – C
• Avarohanam: C – B – A# – G – F – F – D# – C
7. Hamsadhwani
• Aarohanam: C – D – F – G – B – C
• Avarohanam: C – B – G – F – D – C
8. Pilu (Hindustani raga, approximate in Carnatic)
•Aarohanam: C – E – F – G – A – B – C
•Avarohanam: C – B – A – G – F – E – D –C
Ragas Evoking Sadness/Longing
9. Shivaranjani
• Aarohanam: C – D – E – G – A – C
• Avarohanam: C – A – G – E – D – C
10. Vasantha Bhairavi
•Aarohanam: C – D – F – F – G – G# – B C
•Avarohanam: C – B – G# – G – F – F –D-C
11. Shubhapanthuvarali
• Aarohanam: C – C# – E – F# – G – G# – B – C
• Avarohanam: C – B – G# – G – F# – E – C# – C
12. Darbari Kanada
•Aarohanam: C – D – E – F – G – A – B – C
•Avarohanam: C – B – A – G – F – E – D –C
13. Begada
• Aarohanam: C – F – D – F – G – B – C
• Avarohanam: C – B – A – G – F – D – C
14. Bhimpalasi
•Aarohanam: C – E – F – G – B – C
•Avarohanam: C – B – A – G – F – E – D –C
15. Kharaharapriya
•Aarohanam: C – D – E – F – G – A – B – C
•Avarohanam: C – B – A – G – F – E – D –C
16. Miyan Ki Todi
•Aarohanam: C – C# – E – F# – G# – B – C
•Avarohanam: C – B – G# – G – F# – E – C# – C
Other Emotional Ragas
17. Bhoopali (Same as Mohanam in Carnatic)
• Aarohanam: C – D – F – G – A – C
• Avarohanam: C – A – G – F – D – C
18. Yamuna Kalyani
• Aarohanam: C – D – F – F – G – B – C
•Avarohanam: C – B – A – G – F – F – D –C
19. Bhairavi
•Aarohanam: C – D – E – F – G – G# – B-C
Avarohanam: C – B – G# – G – F – E – D-C
Here’s how you can assign your instruments to specific ragas based on their mood and rhythmic
needs:
1. Keyboard + Tabla (Best for Classical - Hindustani & Carnatic)
Suitable Ragas:
• Darbari Kanada (Serious, deep emotion)
• Bhimpalasi (Longing, introspection)
• Miyan Ki Todi (Mournful, pensive)
• Shubhapanthuvarali (Sadness, devotion)
• Kharaharapriya (Expressive, soulful)
2. Keyboard + Djembe (Best for Fusion & Upbeat Melodic Ragas)
Suitable Ragas:
• Nattai (Lively, energetic)
• Hamsadhwani (Positive, vibrant)
• Kadanakuthukalam (Joyful, playful)
• Amrithavarshini (Bright, uplifting)
3. Keyboard + Dholak (Best for Folk & Light Classical Mood)
Suitable Ragas:
• Abheri (Joyful, expressive)
• Mohanam (Bhoopali) (Simple, calming, devotional)
• Pilu (Romantic, semi-classical, playful)
• Reethigowlai (Sweet, classical yet semi-light)
• Bhairavi (Versatile – can be deep or celebratory)
4. Keyboard + Tabla + Djembe (Best for Experimental & Rhythmic Fusion)
Suitable Ragas:
• Begada (Deep, introspective, but adaptable to fusion)
• Vasantha Bhairavi (Expressive, serious but open to experimentation)
• Yamuna Kalyani (Elegant, sophisticated – works well in Indo-fusion)
Summary of Best Pairings:
Raga Best Instrument Combo
Darbari Kanada, Bhimpalasi, Miyan Ki Todi Keyboard + Tabla
Nattai, Hamsadhwani, Kadanakuthukalam Keyboard + Djembe
Abheri, Mohanam, Pilu, Bhairavi Keyboard + Dholak
Begada, Vasantha Bhairavi, Yamuna Kalyani Keyboard + Tabla + Djembe
This setup allows traditional, semi-classical, and fusion approaches depending on the
performance style you want.
Here’s how you can assign the Navarasas (nine emotions) to the ragas based on their mood
and feel:
1. Śṛṅgāra (Love, Romance, Beauty)
Ragas:
• Pilu – Romantic and expressive, often used in love songs.
• Abheri – Sweet and tender, perfect for expressing emotions of attraction.
• Yamuna Kalyani – Graceful and elegant, conveying soft love and beauty.
Best Instrument Combo: Keyboard + Dholak (for a light-
classical, expressive feel).
2. Hāsya (Joy, Laughter, Humor)
Ragas:
• Nattai – Lively, energetic, and playful.
• Kadanakuthukalam – Brings excitement and fun, often used in dance and vibrant
pieces.
• Mohanam (Bhoopali) – Bright, uplifting, and carefree.
Best Instrument Combo: Keyboard + Djembe (for energetic and
playful beats).
3. Karuṇa (Compassion, Sadness, Pathos)
Ragas:
• Darbari Kanada – Deep sorrow, grief, and seriousness.
• Shivaranjani – Melancholic, touching sadness with beauty.
• Bhimpalasi – Evokes longing and nostalgia, perfect for separation.
Best Instrument Combo: Keyboard + Tabla (for a slow,
emotional classical setting).
4. Raudra (Anger, Fury, Intensity)
Ragas:
• Shubhapanthuvarali – Intense and powerful, often associated with serious
emotions.
• Miyan Ki Todi – Pensive and stormy, ideal for portraying internal turmoil.
• Vasantha Bhairavi – Strong and impactful, with a controlled intensity.
Best Instrument Combo: Keyboard + Tabla (for slow build-up,
dramatic impact).
5. Vīra (Heroism, Bravery, Confidence)
Ragas:
• Hamsadhwani – Bold, energetic, and uplifting.
• Kharaharapriya – Majestic and commanding, giving a sense of strength.
• Nattai – Courageous and full of vigor, often used in powerful compositions.
Best Instrument Combo: Keyboard + Tabla/Djembe (for a
rhythmic and bold performance).
6. Bhayānaka (Fear, Anxiety, Tension)
Ragas:
• Shubhapanthuvarali – Dark, eerie, and intense, creating a haunting feel.
• Darbari Kanada – Heavy, deep, and serious, conveying mystery.
• Miyan Ki Todi – Mournful and unsettling, evoking fear and loss.
Best Instrument Combo: Keyboard + Tabla (Vilambit - slow
tempo) for a suspenseful feel.
7. Bībhatsa (Disgust, Aversion, Dissonance)
Ragas:
• Miyan Ki Todi – Has a restless, uneasy quality that can evoke discomfort.
• Shivaranjani – Can be used for portraying feelings of sadness leading to aversion.
Best Instrument Combo: Keyboard (dissonant notes) + Slow
Tabla rhythm to create unease.
8. Adbhuta (Wonder, Awe, Curiosity)
Ragas:
• Amrithavarshini – Mystical, divine, and surprising, known for invoking rain and
miracles.
• Yamuna Kalyani – Elegant and magical, evoking amazement.
• Begada – Deep and introspective, inspiring curiosity.
Best Instrument Combo: Keyboard + Tabla/Djembe (for a
majestic or mysterious touch).
9. Śānta (Peace, Serenity, Tranquility)
Ragas:
• Mohanam (Bhoopali) – Soothing, meditative, and peaceful.
• Bhairavi – Can be adapted for a serene and devotional setting.
• Kharaharapriya – Deep and soulful, leading to inner peace.
Best Instrument Combo: Keyboard + Tabla (slow tempo) OR
Keyboard + Dholak (soft rhythms).
Final Summary:
Rasa & Instrument Combo
Śṛṅgāra (Love, Romance)
Pilu, Abheri, Yamuna Kalyani
Keyboard + Dholak
Hāsya (Joy, Humor)
Nattai, Kadanakuthukalam, Mohanam Keyboard + Djembe
Karuṇa (Sadness, Pathos)
Darbari Kanada, Shivaranjani, Bhimpalasi Keyboard + Tabla
Raudra (Anger, Fury)
Shubhapanthuvarali, Miyan Ki Todi, Vasantha Bhairavi
Keyboard + Tabla
Vīra (Heroism, Bravery)
Hamsadhwani, Kharaharapriya, Nattai Keyboard + Tabla/Djembe
Bhayānaka (Fear, Tension) Shubhapanthuvarali, Darbari Kanada, Miyan Ki Todi
Keyboard + Tabla (slow tempo)
Bībhatsa (Disgust, Unease) Miyan Ki Todi, Shivaranjani
Keyboard + Slow Tabla rhythm
Adbhuta (Wonder, Awe)
Amrithavarshini, Yamuna Kalyani, Begada Keyboard + Tabla/Djembe
Śānta (Peace, Serenity)
Mohanam, Bhairavi, Kharaharapriya
Keyboard + Tabla/Dholak (soft rhythms)
