Khamaj (IAST: Khamāj) is a Hindustani classical Music raga within the Khamaj thaat which is named after it.
Many ghazals and thumris are based on Khamaj. It utilises the shuddha (pure) form of Ni on the ascent, and the komala (flat) form of Ni on the descent, creating a key asymmetry in compositional and improvisational performance. This raga has been explored more in the lighter forms of Hindustani Classical Music such as Thumri, Tappa etc. Yet a many compositions in Dhrupad and Khayal are found as well. Harikambhoji is the equivalent rāgam in Carnatic music.
Theory [Raag Shashtra]
Arohana: S G M P D N Ṡ[a]
Avroha: Ṡ Ṉ D P M G R S[b][3]
Vadi Swar: G
Samavadi Swar: N
Compositions
In Dhrupad, Sadra, Khayal, Thumri & Tappa styles :
Hindi Film Songs based on Raga Khamaj:
- Bada natkhat hai...ka kare yashoda maiya, "Kuchh Toh Log Kahenge" and Raina Beet Jaye (with Todi in mukhara) – Amar Prem[5]
- Ayo kahanse ghanashyam – Buddha Mil Gaya
- Vo na aenge palatkar – Devdaas
- A dilse dil mila le – Navrang
- Dhal chuki shame Gam – Kohinoor
- Khat likha de savariyake nam babu
- Mere to giridharagopala – Meera
- Tere bina sajna lage na jiya hamar – Aarti
- Tere mere milan ki ye raina – Abhimaan
- Khamaj – Fuzön sung by Shafqat Amanat Ali
- Mitwa – Kabhi alvida na kehna
The Narsinh Bhajan "Vaishnav jan to" is also based on Khamaj.
The Sargam Geet is as follows: set to teentaal, that is sixteen beats:
| 1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16
|
| G |
G |
S |
G |
M |
P |
G |
M |
N |
D |
_ |
M |
P |
D |
_ |
M
|
| G |
_ |
_ |
_ |
D |
N |
S' |
_ |
S ' |
N |
D |
P |
M |
G |
R |
S
|
This is the Prelude to the Sargam Geet, the underscore signifies the avagraha i.e. prolongation of the immediate previous note by one beat for one _ and
three beats in case of _ _ _
