Bhashanga Rāga

 Bhashanga Rāga

A Bhashanga Rāga is a type of Janya Rāga in Carnatic music that incorporates notes (swaras) not found in its parent Melakarta rāga. These additional notes are known as anya swaras. This inclusion of foreign notes differentiates Bhashanga Rāgas from Upanga Rāgas, which strictly adhere to the swaras of their parent Melakarta.

Characteristics of Bhashanga Rāgas

1. Anya Swaras: The defining feature of Bhashanga Rāgas is the use of one or more anya swaras that are not part of the parent Melakarta rāga's scale.
2. Emotional and Aesthetic Expression: The inclusion of anya swaras often enhances the emotional depth and aesthetic appeal of the rāga, providing unique and varied melodic possibilities.
3. Complexity: Bhashanga Rāgas can be more complex due to the additional notes, requiring careful handling to maintain their distinct identity and avoid confusion with other rāgas.

Examples of Bhashanga Rāgas

1. Kambhoji

   • Parent Melakarta: Harikambhoji (28th Melakarta)
   • Arohana: S R₂ G₃ M₁ P D₂ S
   • Avarohana: S N₂ D₂ P M₁ G₃ R₂ S
   • Anya Swara: N₂ (Kakali Nishada)
   • Characteristics: Kambhoji uses the Kakali Nishada (N₂) in its Avarohana, giving it a grand and majestic character. It is commonly used in elaborate compositions and improvisations.

2. Bhairavi

   • Parent Melakarta: Hanumatodi (8th Melakarta)
   • Arohana: S R₂ G₂ M₁ P D₂ N₂ S
   • Avarohana: S N₂ D₂ P M₁ G₂ R₂ S
   • Anya Swaras: G₃ (Antara Gandhara), D₃ (Chatusruti Dhaivata)
   • Characteristics: Bhairavi includes additional swaras like G₃ and D₃, adding to its emotional expressiveness and depth. It is often used in compositions that evoke devotion and pathos.

3. Behag

   • Parent Melakarta: Kharaharapriya (22nd Melakarta)
   • Arohana: S G₃ M₁ D₂ N₃ S
   • Avarohana: S N₂ D₂ M₁ G₃ R₂ S
   • Anya Swara: N₂ (Kaishiki Nishada)
   • Characteristics: Behag uses the Kaishiki Nishada (N₂) in its Avarohana, contributing to its light and romantic mood. It is popular in lighter compositions and semi-classical pieces.

4. Dhanyasi

   • Parent Melakarta: Natabhairavi (20th Melakarta)
   • Arohana: S G₂ M₁ P N₂ S
   • Avarohana: S N₂ D₂ P M₁ G₂ R₂ S
   • Anya Swara: N₂ (Kaishiki Nishada)
   • Characteristics: Dhanyasi features the Kaishiki Nishada (N₂), adding a plaintive and melancholic touch to its character. It is often used in compositions that express longing and devotion.

5. Karaharapriya

   • Parent Melakarta: Kharaharapriya (22nd Melakarta)
   • Arohana: S R₂ G₂ M₁ P D₂ N₂ S
   • Avarohana: S N₂ D₂ P M₁ G₂ R₂ S
   • Anya Swaras: G₃ (Antara Gandhara)
   • Characteristics: Karaharapriya incorporates the Antara Gandhara (G₃), lending a soulful and meditative quality to the rāga. It is widely used in both compositions and improvisations.

Importance in Carnatic Music

• Enhanced Expressiveness: The use of anya swaras allows Bhashanga Rāgas to convey a wider range of emotions and moods, enhancing the expressiveness of compositions and performances.
• Creative Flexibility: Bhashanga Rāgas provide composers and performers with greater creative flexibility, enabling them to explore unique melodic and harmonic possibilities.
• Rāga Development: The complexity and richness of Bhashanga Rāgas make them an important part of rāga development and elaboration, contributing to the depth and diversity of Carnatic music.

Conclusion

Bhashanga Rāgas play a crucial role in the Carnatic music tradition, offering a blend of tradition and innovation through the incorporation of anya swaras. Their unique melodic structures and emotional depth make them a favorite among composers and performers, enriching the repertoire and enhancing the overall aesthetic experience of Carnatic music.