Desh (raga)

Desh is a Hindustani classical raga.

Origin

The raga emerges from Khamaj thaat.

Technical description

The raga is of Audav-sampurna nature, i.e., in its arohana (ascent) only five notes are used, whereas the avarohana (descent) uses all the seven notes. Shuddha Ni is used in the arohana, while Komal Ni (represented as ni below) is used in avarohana. All other swaras are shuddha.

Arohana: Sa Re, Ma Pa Ni,Sa.

Avarohana: Sa ,ni Dha Pa,Ma Ga Re, Ga Ni Sa.

Pakad: Re, Ma Pa Ni, Sa Re ni Dha Pa,ma ga re

The vadi swara is Pa, and the samvadi is Re.

Samai (Time)

The raga is to be sung during the first quarter of the night (ratri pratham prahar).

Further Information

Re is very prominent, quite a few times the singer rests on Re, making it a centre to the melody. The Meend from Ma to Re via Ga is one of the most vital features of the raga. The arohana via shuddha Ni, and the transition from Re to komal Ni in the avorahana form an important part of the melodies in this raga. Further, Desh is quite close to neighboring ragas like Tilak kamod, and hence requires skilful rendition to separate itself.

Prominent Songs

Quite a few of the most melodious tunes in music are based on Desh. It has frequently also been used in patriotic compositions. Vande Mataram, the national song of India, is the most well-known. The popular old Doordarshan video Baje Sargam (also called Desh Raga), that featured many respected Indian classical singers, is also based on Desh raga.

External links

• Raaga details from Sounds of India
• Article on Des from South Asian Women's Forum
• Film songs in Desh
• About Desh raga on Chandrakantha
• Baje Sargam video on Youtube, version 1, with mostly classical dancers
• Baje Sargam video, version 2, with classical musicians. Titled Desh Raag.