Raga Kalavati (also spelled Kalawati) is a modern pentatonic raga (audav-audav) in Hindustani classical music, belonging to the Khamaj Thaat. It is known for its enchanting and serene mood, often performed during late night hours and associated with feelings of romantic longing or quiet contemplation.
Table of Contents
Musical Structure
Thaat:
Khamaj
Jati (Type):
Audav–Audav (Pentatonic in both ascent and descent)
Omitted Notes (Varjit Svaras):
Re (Rishabh – the second note)
Ma (Madhyam – the fourth note)
These omissions give the raga its distinctive airy, open feel.
Arohana and Avarohana (Ascent and Descent)
Arohana (Ascent):
S G P D n S’
(Sa, Ga, Pa, Dha, Komal Ni, Sa’)
In Western notation (assuming Sa = C):
C E G A B♭ C
Avarohana (Descent):
S’ n D P G S
(Sa’, Komal Ni, Dha, Pa, Ga, Sa)
The Komal Ni (flat seventh) is a Vakra Svara (used in a twisted or zigzag pattern) in Arohana, making the raga nuanced and expressive.
In some interpretations, ascending phrases include:
P D n D S’In Tan (fast melodic runs), G P D n S’ may also be used.
Vadi and Samvadi (Principal and Second Important Notes)
Vadi (Most important note): Pa (Pancham)
Samvadi (Second-most important): Sa (Shadja)
Pakad or Chalan (Signature Phrases)
Some characteristic melodic movements that define Kalavati include:
G P D n D S’
S G P D S’
G P D n~ D P (with gentle oscillation on komal Ni)
Other notable movements:
S, G P, G\S ṇ Ḍ S,G G P D n D P,G P D, n D P,G P D n S, etc.
These phrases highlight Kalavati’s pentatonic charm while maintaining its identity.
Mood and Performance Time
Time of performance: Late Night (after 9 PM)
Mood (Rasa): Romantic, serene, introspective
Kalavati is often used to create a dreamlike, tranquil atmosphere and is typically avoided in heavily dramatic or sorrowful compositions.
Origins and Carnatic Equivalents
Raga Kalavati has roots in Carnatic music, where it closely resembles Valachi (Valaji), a janya raga of the 28th Melakarta, Harikambhoji.
Carnatic Structure (Valaji):
Arohana: S G P D n S
Avarohana: S n D P G S
However, some scholars note that the Carnatic Kalavati (as discussed by B. Subba Rao) may omit Ga and Ni in Aroha and use Komal Re, making it closer to raga Jansamohini.
Notably, Pandit Rao Nagarkar, Roshan Ara Begum, and Gangubai Hangal were instrumental in popularising Raga Kalavati in Maharashtra.
Notable Songs Based on Raga Kalavati
Several film songs and ghazals have drawn inspiration from or are based on Raga Kalavati. Below are some noteworthy examples:
| Song Title | Film | Year | Tal | Music Director(s) | Singer(s) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dil Mein Aur To Kya Rakha Hai | Ghazal | – | – | – | – | Pure Kalavati-based ghazal |
| Ham Kisi Se Kam Nahin | Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin | 1977 | Kaherava | R.D. Burman | Asha Bhosle, Mohd. Rafi | Good Kalavati example, slight mixing |
| Kahe Tarasae Jiyara | Chitralekha | 1964 | Tintal, Kaherava | Roshan | Usha Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle | Moderate Kalavati influence |
| Maika Piya Bulave | Sur Sangam | 1985 | Sitarkhani | Laxmikant-Pyarelal | – | Strong Kalavati presence |
| Na To Karavan Ki Talash Hai | Barsaat Ki Raat | 1960 | Kaherava | Roshan | Mohd. Rafi, Manna Dey, Asha Bhosle, et al. | Starts pure Kalavati, evolves into a Kalavati-Khamaj mix |
| Piya Nahin Aye | Darvaza | 1962 | Tintal | Salim Iqbal | Amanat Ali Khan, Noor Jahan | Excellent Kalavati rendition |
| Sanam Tu Bewafa Ke Naam Se | Khilona | 1970 | Kaherava | Laxmikant-Pyarelal | Lata Mangeshkar | Mild Kalavati influence |
| Subah Aur Shaam Kaam Hi Kaam | Uljhan | 1975 | Kaherava | Kalyanji-Anandji | Lata Mangeshkar | Not a good reference for pure Kalavati |
| Yeh Tara Voh Tara | Swades | 2004 | Kaherava | A.R. Rahman | Udit Narayan, Master Vignesh, Baby Pooja | Subtle Kalavati influence with a modern blend |
Raga Kalavati stands as a striking example of how minimalism in note selection can result in maximum melodic beauty. Its simplicity (using only five notes) combined with delicate ornamentation makes it both accessible to beginners and rewarding for advanced performers. Whether in pure classical performances or cinematic adaptations, Kalavati continues to captivate listeners with its elegant charm and emotional depth.