This blogpost discusses the beauty and composition of Raag Bhupali.
DEFINITION
Raag Bhupali: A Pentatonic Raag
Everyone who starts as a beginner in the field of Hindustani Classical Music, is introduced to Raag Bhupali as one of the initial steps. It is composed of five notes out of the total seven notes. Raag Bhupali is a part of the Thaat Kalyan family. Due to the softness of this raag, it is used to compose many devotional songs or Bhajans.
ETYMOLOGY
One of the 3 Basic Raagas
Raag Bhupali along with Raag Bhairav and Raag Yaman form the foundation of the Hindustani Classical Music. It is one of the basic raag which needs to be mastered by beginners to sing and play different Indian instruments with precision and professionally.
ORIGIN
From the Ancient Age
All the notes that are used to compose Raag Bhupali have been in existence since the beginning of the ancient times. This makes it evident that the Raag Bhupali’s existence is ancient. In many mentions of India’s history, Raag Bhupali has been mentioned. This makes Raag Bhupali as one of the musical raagas which has seen the test of time.
REGION/ RELIGION PRACTICING IT
Mohanam of Carnatic Music
The Raag Bhupali is known as Mohanam Raag in the genre of Carnatic Music. Raag Bhupali is known across the major schools of music across India and across many centuries. Many of the folk songs as well as popular movie songs are derived from Raag Bhupali.
COMPOSITION
Audav Jaati Raag
Every raag in the Indian music system or Hindustani Classical Music is assigned a correct time to perform and practice. According to the principles of Hindustani Classical Music, Raag Bhupali should be performed and practiced during the evening, between 4:00 to 7:00 pm. This is the reason behind Raag Bhupali being called an Audav Jaati Raag.
PERFORMANCE
A Popular Choice
From classical music to folk music to popular Bollywood music, Raag Bhupali is one of the most popular and widely known foundational ragas to use for composing music and songs. From popular Hindi movies like, Silsila to devotional songs or Bhajans, Raag Bhupali is an essential melodic composition that is used to compose brilliant songs and melodies that survive for ages.
NATIONAL/ GLOBAL INFLUENCE
A Medicine Melody
One of the most wonderful and miraculous uses of Raag Bhupali is the usage of the raag for medicating and curing chronic illnesses like High Blood Pressure and Memory Loss issues. The field of Ayurveda uses the Raag Bhupali to cure and help in medicating illnesses and health troubles like chronic headache.
FAMOUS PEOPLE PRACTICING THIS TYPE OF MUSIC
Across every medium
Apart from many bollywood songs and folk songs, Raag Bhupali has several renditions of very popular classical singers which have become the favourite of people who celebrate classical music. One of the most popular renditions and performances by Acharya Vishwanath Rao Ringe.
Raag Bhupali: One of the founding Raagas of Hindustani Classical and Beyond
The evolution of Hindustani Classical music would be incomplete without Raag Bhupali. In fact, the buildup of several popular melodies and songs is created by the use of Raag Bhupali. The soft notes used for Raag Bhupali make it the perfect choice for songs that enable a peaceful and calm setting.
To know more about India’s classical music and raagas, keep reading posts on the blog on Sameedh.
