Raag Khamaj

Raag Khamaj is a Janak raag, which means it is a root raag that a Thaat is named after. In other words, Khamaj is the name of a Raag and a Thaat. Raag Khamaj is romantic in nature. It is well-suited for semi-classical forms such as Dadra, Thumri, Hori, etc.

Raag Khamaj Introduction

Raag Khamaj Demonstration

Key Features of Raag Khamaj 

  • It is a poorvaang raag; elaborating in the madhya saptak is important.

  • It consists of both Nishaads. Shuddh Nishaad is used in the aaroh, komal Nishaad may be used in the aaroh as well as avroh, and occasionally a consecutive use of both shuddh and komal Nishaads in the avroh is permitted.

  • Even though Rishabh is not present in the aaroh, it can be used in specific aarohic phrases in the taar saptak. Watch the video to learn how.

  • Movement of notes: Quick moving notes. This makes it an ideal choice for a 2nd small raag or a semi-classical raag following a large opening raag in a concert.

  • Mood: Shringar (romance). It makes sense that raags with this mood are assigned the evening prahars (from 7pm to late night).

Aaroh-Avroh

s g m p d n su

su N d p m g r s

Vadi, Samvadi

g, N
Nyaas Swars g, p, n
Jati Shadav-Sampoorna
Pakad g m p d N d p d g m g
Time 2nd prahar of the evening (10 pm - 1 am)
Thaat Khamaj