Khamaj raag is a Hindustani classical raag that belongs to Khamaj Thaat. It also known as Ashraya raag because the name of this raag is the same as its Thaat Khamaj.
It uses shudh form of Ni swar in its Aaroh and Komal(flat) form of Ni(k) in its Avroh. This raag has been used widely for the composition of lighter Hindustani classical music like Thumri, Tappa, etc. Yet a few Compositions in Dhrupad and Khayal are found as well.
Raag Khamaj is a melodious Hindustani raag that is suitable for both types of Shringars, Vibralambh (Separation), and Uttan (Union) Shringar. Because of this, there are many Thumri compositions in this raag. Many Thumri expressing the love of Lord Krishna and Radha composed in this raag.
In this raag, Swara “Re” prohibited to use in its Aaroh but sometimes it is used while singing Thumri to enhance its beauty. When raag Khamaj used along with other raags, then the resulting raag is called Mishra Khamaj.
Also read this : How to do riyaz of raag at home effectively.
- Thaat : Khamaj
- Jaati : Saadav – Sampurna
- Vadi Swara : Ga
- Samvaadi Swara : Ni
- Samay ( Time ) : mid – night (12 – 2 am)
- Vajrya ( Prohibited ) swara : Re ( in Aaroh only )
- Komal Swara(k) : Ni ( in Avroh only )
- Similar Raaga : Tilang Raag
Raag Structure : Aaroh , Avroh and Pakad
Khamaj Raag Aalaap and Bandish
Aalap :
- Sa – ni Sa Ga Ma Ga, Sa Ga Ma Pa, Ga Ma Ga, Ga Ma Pa Ga Ma Ga Re Sa |
- Sa Ga Ma Ni(k) Dha Pa, Pa Dha Ni(k) Dha Pa Ma Ga, Pa Ma Ga Re ni Sa |
- Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni SA Ni SA, RE Ni SA Ni(k) Dha Pa Ma Ga, Sa Ga Ma Pa Ga Ma Ga Re Sa |
