Nat Bhairav

Nat Bhairav (or also written as Nut Bhairav) (Hindi: नट भैरव) is a Hindustani classical heptatonic (Sampurna) raga of Bhairav Thaat. Traditionally it is a morning raga. It is one of the most important ragas of the Bhairav anga.[1]

Nat Bhairav
ThaatBhairav[1]
TypeSampurna[1]
Time of dayMorning, 6–9
ArohanaSa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa'[1]
AvarohanaSa' Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Re Sa[1]
Pakad
  • Sa-Re-Ga-Ma-Dha Pa
  • Ga-Ma-Re-Sa
  • 'Ni-'Dha-Sa
VadiMa[1]
SamavadiSa[1]
Equivalent
Hindustani classical music
Concepts
Genres
Thaats

Sarasangi in Carnatic music has the same scale as the Nat Bhairav in Hindustani music.

Theory

Writing about the musical theory of Hindustani music is fraught with complications. Firstly, there have been no set, formal methods of written notation. Secondly, Hindustani music is an aural tradition, and therefore writing is not an essential part of learning. However, Nat Bhairav is a morning raga. The raga reflects the mood of slight pathos with heroic exuberance.

Arohana and Avarohana

Arohana

Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni, Sa' C, D, E, F, G, A♭, B, C'

Avarohana

Sa', Ni, Dha, Pa, Ma, Ga, Re, Sa C', B, A♭, G, F, E, D, C

Pakad or Chalan

Dha-Ni-Sa'

Sa-Re-Sa

Sa-Re-Ga-Ma-Dha-Pa, Ga-Ma-Re-Sa, Re-'Ni-'Dha-Sa

While the above is true, modern (20th century) treatment of the Raga is slightly different. The basic Chalan of the Raga has de facto shifted the Vadi-Samvadi (Point-Counterpoint) duo to Re-Dha; and the basic characteristic phrase has become Re-Dha-Re, Re-Ga, Ga-Ma, Ma-Pa; Ma-NiDha-Pa, Ga-(Ma)-Re-Sa; Sa-'NiSa-'Dha.

It is believed that this Chalan brings out clearly the Nat-ang in Nat Bhairav.

Organization and relationships

Related ragas:

Behaviour

As the name suggests, this raga is a combination of Nat and Bhairav (Shah [Bhairav ke Prakar] 1991: 255). It is regarded as one of the varieties of Bhairav. The lower tetra chord has the notes of Nat whereas in the upper tetra chord Bhairav is evident. Therefore, except Komal Dha, all the other notes are natural. The raga comes across as a musical entity with heroic exuberance, along with a slight feeling of pathos.

Samay (Time)

Nat Bhairav is an early morning raga. This raga has a distinct character although at times imbued with impressions of Bhairav.

Seasonality

Nat Bhairav is one of few ragas that can be sung in any season.

Rasa

Nat Bhairav is typically performed with a musical entity with heroic exuberance, along with a slight feeling of pathos.

Film Songs

Nat Bhairav is a popular raga for film songs. Here are some film songs based on Nat Bhairav:

  • "Badli Se Nikla Hai Chaand" – Sanjog, 1961
  • "Tere Naina Kyon Bhar Aaye" – Geet, 1970

References
  1. "Raag Nut Bhairav – Indian Classical Music". Tanarang.com. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
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