Raag Ramkali
Ramkali is considered to be a very ancient raag. Before it got to its present form and name, it has been called names like Ramkeli, Ramkeri, Ramkiri, Ramkriti, and Ramkriya. Ancient texts mention four different variations, or prakaars, of Ramkali. But the one that is prevalent in current times is from the Bhairav family.
An Introduction to Raag Ramkali
Key features of Raag Ramkali
Ramkali is similar to Bhairav in many ways, but a major difference is that it features teevra Ma and komal Ni, which are not present in Bhairav.
This is an Uttaraang-pradhan raag, which means most of the raag blossoms in the madhya and taar saptaks (middle and higher octaves) as opposed to Raag Bhairav.
This is a morning raag, but due to the addition of teevra Ma it should be sung after Bhairav.
Mood: soulful, yearning, devotion, pathos, the teevra Ma and komal Ni bring a feminine touch to the raag.
Movement of notes: vakra (zig-zag) in avrohic phrases
Watch the video to learn the basics of Raag Ramkali and also learn how to distinguish it from Raag Bhairav.
| Aaroh-Avroh | s g, m p, D, n su su n D p, M p D N D, p g, m r s |
Vaadi, Samvaadi |
D, R |
| Nyaas Swars | s, R, p, D |
| Jaati | Sampoorna |
| Pakad | D p, M p, D N D, p g, m r s |
| Time | 1st prahar of the morning (7 am - 10 am) |
| Thaat | Bhairav |
See also: Raag Bhairav