Introduction:
Raag Bilawal is one of the most fundamental ragas in Hindustani classical music, regarded as the parent raga of the Bilawal thaat. It is very much known for its joyful and uplifting character and hence performed during the daytime, evoking a sense of calm and joy. It holds a very important place both in classical and devotional music, making it an inevitable choice for musicians and composers. Raag Bilawal is considered as the major scale in Western music. Dheera Shankarabharanam is the raga which corresponds to Bilawal in Carnatic music.
Structure and characteristics
Raag Bilawal is a heptatonic raga, which means it has all the seven swaras both in the aarohanam and avarohanam and hence it is considered as sampoorn raga (complete raga). It has got a straightforward progression.
- Aaroh (Ascending): Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa
- Avaroh (Descending): Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Re Sa
The vadi (most prominent note) of Raag Bilawal is Dha, while the samvadi (second most prominent note) is Ga. These notes play a crucial role in bringing out the raga’s essence. The raga’s straightforward and natural progression makes it an excellent choice for beginners to understand the basics of Indian classical music.
Performance and mood
Raag Bilawal is performed slowly, allowing the artist to explore each note in depth. The simplicity and purity of Bilawal provide a perfect canvas for intricate improvisations, allowing seasoned musicians to showcase their creativity while maintaining the raga’s tranquil nature. This raga is often described as evoking a mood of devotion, tranquility, and purity.
Devotion and Spirituality
Another significant aspect of Raag Bilawal’s emotional expression is its association with devotion and spirituality. The calm and uplifting nature of the raga makes it a popular choice for devotional music and bhajans. It aids in creating an atmosphere of reverence and contemplation, allowing both the performer and the listener to connect on a spiritual level.
Famous Compositions
Ek pyar ka nagma hai – Lata Mangeshkar (Composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal)
Jana gana mana – National anthem of India, composed by Rabindranath Tagore
Chhu kar mere mann ko – Kishore Kumar, composer by Rajesh Roshan
Chhoti si asha – Minmini, composed by A R Rahman
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