Which Hindustani classical Raag is sung as an invitation to rain?
- A.Raag Yaman
- B.Raag Bahar
- C.Raag Malhar
- D.Raag Bhairavi
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, Raag Malhar. Malhar is the raga of the monsoon, sung to welcome and call the rains.
Hindustani music links many ragas with a season or a time of day. Malhar and its family of ragas are sung in the rainy season, and legend says that a true rendering can bring clouds and rain. Its best known forms are Miyan ki Malhar, credited to Tansen of Akbar's court, Megh Malhar, Gaud Malhar and Ramdasi Malhar. Its phrases are meant to suggest thunder, the gathering of clouds and falling drops, and songs in it often describe the black clouds and peacocks of the monsoon.
A is wrong: Yaman is an evening raga of the Kalyan thaat, one of the first ragas taught to students.
B is wrong: Bahar is a raga of spring (Basant season), sung to celebrate blossoming.
D is wrong: Bhairavi is a morning raga, usually sung to conclude a concert.
Exam tip: Malhar for rain, Bahar for spring, Deepak linked with fire, Bhairavi to close a concert.
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