The eternal relationship between music and nature is documented in not only the works of musicologists and maestros but even in the beating of the heart, the crashing of the waves on rocky shores, the changing seasons and times of the day. They all reflect the innate rhythm and harmony that makes the universe thrive.
Indian music is said to originate in the ancient Vedic texts, like living legend Ustad Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan rightly commented, “there is no gharana (tradition) except the Rig Veda.”
The science of ragas has been a subject of great intrigue. Ragas are set not only to certain times of the day and moods, but also seasons. Nature plays a vital role in the science of Ragadaari.
The Malhaar group of ragas are monsoon-specific. The structure, combination of notes and their rendering create the effect of a typical Indian monsoon.
Grey clouds hanging low over a verdant landscape, rivulets flowing through sprawling fields, the fragrance of moist earth and fresh foliage, a gentle cool breeze, peacocks dancing, the swelling waves of the ocean and a determined drizzle announcing the arrival of first rain. ‘(Shuddha) Ma-(Suddha)Re-Pa’ ( Ma-Re-Pa) is the principle phrase common to all Malhaars.
The flavour of each Malhaar variety seems to be a perfect depiction of each one of these aspects of the season.
The gaiety, the relief from the heat, the wildness of monsoon storms and even romance are also expressed through the lyrics of the bandishes that are sung in these ragas.
Legendary Ustad Amir Khan’s signature Ramdasi Malhaar, the introspective ‘Kaari badara chhayi’ is a bouquet of all the colours of monsoon. His deep and expansive ‘Barkha ritu aayi’ in Megh truly creates the mysterious stillness and anticipation of a dark grey sky before a storm while his energetic ‘Barsan laagi’ in fast-paced Miyan Malhaar reflects the excitement and joy of the season’s first heavy downpour. The leitmotif phrase ‘ni dha ni sa’ in the ascending is exhilaration for the soul.
