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Bhaskara Raagputra

son of Hindol

Bhaskara Raagputra, Page from a Dispersed Raagmala Series
Bhaskara Raagputra, Page from a Dispersed Raagmala Series · ca. 1740–1760 · Gouache and gold on paper · 26 x 21.3 cm (10 1/4 x 8 3/8 in.) · Brooklyn Museum · commons.wikimedia.org
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About Raag Hindol

Kalyan ThaatVadi DhivatSamvadi Gandhar00:00-02:59SpringPeaceful

Raag Hindol is an ancient and spiritually evocative raag from the Hindustani classical tradition, associated with the Kalyan thaat. Characterized by its pentatonic structure (Audav–Audav), Hindol omits Re (Rishabh) and Pa (Pancham) entirely, creating a distinct and ethereal soundscape. The raag prominently features the Tivra Ma (sharp Ma) and relies on the Dhaivat (Dha) as its vadi (primary note) and Gandhar (Ga) as its samvadi (secondary note).

The ascent (Arohi) follows the pattern: Sa – Ga – Ma# – Dha – Ni – Sa' and the descent (Avarohi): Sa' – Ni – Dha – Ma# – Ga – Sa Its swaying melodic motion mimics the gentle rhythm of a swing ("Hindol" means swing), evoking a mood of devotion, introspection, and renewal, making it especially suited for performance during the spring season and in the third prahar of the night (12am–3am).

Raag Hindol is mostly presented in Khayal, Dhrupad, and Dhamar styles and is rarely performed, lending it a unique and treasured place in classical music. With its striking absence of Re and Pa and the use of sharp Ma, Hindol stands apart as a raag that invites the listener into a serene, suspended world of melodic purity and emotional depth.

The Hindol family

Bhaskara Raagputra · Raagmala · Saarey Music