Kafi

Our Notation
Indian
British
English
S
Sa
Do
C
R
Re
Re
D
G
Ga
Me
E
M
Ma
Fa
F
P
Pa
So
G
D
Dha
La
A
N
Ni
Ti
B
Frequencies and Symbols

Its melodious nature makes Kafi a popular raga. Flat G and N are used while ascending or descending, but on rare occasion pure G and N may also be used. Kafi is rooted in the traditional melodies sung during the festival of colours, Holi. Due to its folk origin, it finds no mention in critical texts before Lochan's Rag Tarangini. Karnatic music uses these notes in raga KharHar Priya but not as extensively and multifaceted compositions as those of North. Numerous bandishes of Kafi abound as Hori, Bhajan, Ghazal and Thumri. Fifth note Pancham is the central point in Kafi towards which all others note progress. The unique manner of grduation of notes towards Pancham lends seriousness, gaiety, sorrow or mirth.

 

Characteristics

Ascending order / Progression
S R bG M P D bN S*
Descending order / Regression
S* bN D P M bG R S
Jaati
Hepta-tonic
Sonant Note P
Consonant Note R
Time for rendering Mid Evening

 

Composition

Sthai

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
bGbM
R
bGbG
S
R
dir
da
dir
da
ra
P
-
D
P
M
GG
MM
PP
bG
bGR
- R
da
-
da
ra
da
dir
dir
dir
da
rda
- r
X       2       0       3      

Antara
PP
M
P
N
N
dir
da
ra
da
ra
S*
-
-
bG*bG*
R*
bG*bG*
R*
S*
R*
N
S*
R*R*
S*
bN
D
P
da
-
-
dir
da
dir
da
ra
da
da
ra
dir
da
ra
da
ra
D
DP
- P
MM
G
MM
D
P
bG
bGR
- R
da
rda
- r
dir
da
dir
da
ra
da
rda
- r
X       2       0       3      

Find Misrabani compositions in Rag Vibodh: Misrabani and Rag Rupanjali

Sitar Compositions in Ome Swarlipi by Dr Ragini Trivedi (Omenad, 2010) now available for purchase at Lulu.com.

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