Malkauns

Malkauns
ThaatBhairavi (or Asavari)
TypeAudava
Time of dayLate night, 12–3
ArohanaṈ̣ S  M   
Avarohana
  • S   M  M  S
  • S   M  S
Synonym
  • Malkosh
  • Malkaush
EquivalentHindolam

Malkauns, known also as rag Malkosh,[1] is a raga in Indian classical music. It is one of the oldest ragas of Indian classical music.[2] The equivalent raga in Carnatic music is called Hindolam, not to be confused with the Hindustani Hindol.

According to Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj, Malkauns is a raga that is "sung during small hours of the morning, just after midnight." He further adds that the raga has a soothing and intoxicating effect.[3]

Non-Film/Album Songs

[edit]
Song Language Album Year Composer Lyricist Singer Audio Label
Karpanai Endralum Tamil Lord Muruga T M Sounder Revival 1999 M S Viswanathan Vaali T M Soundararajan saregama
Narudu Gurudani Telugu Namo Venkatesaya[4] 2019 Mahesh Mahadev Kaiwara Sri Yogi Nareyana S. P. Balasubhramanyam, Priyadarshini,

Mahesh Mahadev, Raghuram

PM Audios
Niladri Natham Sanskrit Jagannath Bhakti Rath Yatra 2023 Siba Prasad Rath Dr. Ruru Kumar Abhilipsa Panda Times Music Spiritual

Etymology

[edit]

The name Malkaush is derived from the combination of Mal and Kaushik, which means he who wears serpents like garlands – the god Shiva. However, the Malav-Kaushik mentioned in classical texts does not appear to be the same as the Malkauns performed today.[5] The raga is believed to have been created by goddess Parvati to calm lord Shiva, when he was outraged and refused to calm down after Tandav in rage of Sati's sacrifice.[3]

In Jainism, it is also stated that the Raga Malkauns is used by the Tirthankaras with the Ardhamāgadhi Language when they are giving Deshna (Lectures) in the Samavasarana.

Malkaush belongs to Shaivait musical school; in fact most pentatonic ragas belong to Shaivait musical school.[2]

His mace running with blood, garlanded with skulls of heroes, Malkaush surrounded by braves and bravest of the brave!

Shiv ttva ratnakara, 6, 8, 67[2]

Arohana and Avarohana

[edit]

Malkauns belongs to the Bhairavi thaat. Its notes are Sa, komal Ga, shuddh Ma, komal Dha, and komal Ni. In Western classical notation, its notes can be denoted as: tonic, minor third, perfect fourth, minor sixth and minor seventh. In raga Malkauns, Rishabh (Re – second) and Pancham (Pa – perfect fifth) are completely omitted. Its jaati is audav-audav (five-five, that is, pentatonic).[6]

Arohana : Ṉ̣ S  M   

Avarohana :

  • S   M  M  S
  • S   M  S

The 'Ga' used is actually Ga-Sadharan (the rough minor third), 316-cent above Sa.[7] This corresponds to the note ga2, in the 22 shrutis list, with a factor of 6/5.

Vadi and Samavadi

[edit]

The vadi swara is Madhyam (Ma) while the Samavadi swara is Shadaj (Sa).

Pakad or Chalan

[edit]

Pakad :  M  M  M  S

Other characteristics

[edit]
A Ragamala series painting based on Malkauns Raga, c. 1735

Malkauns is a serious, meditative raga, and is developed mostly in the lower octave (mandra saptak) and in a slow tempo (vilambit laya). Ornaments such as meend, gamak and andolan are used rather than 'lighter' ornaments such as murki and khatka. Komal Ni is generally considered the starting note (graha swara), and the notes komal Ga and komal Dha are performed with vibrato (andolit). All five swaras can function as pausing notes.

The komal Ni in Malkauns is different from the komal Ni in Bhimpalasi.

The best time for this raga is late night. The effect of the raga is soothing and intoxicating.

In teaching this rāg to students in the early 1980s, Ali Akbar Khan confirmed that Malkaush is a midnight rāg of Bhairavi thaat, Aurav jati, with moods of devotion, peace and heroism. He remarked: "Djinni like this rāg" and "At first makes you sleepy, then gives you energy to move mountains." A lakshan geet (song that describes the characteristics of the raag) taught by Khansahib relates that Malkaush is one of the six original male ragas (thus ancient) and that its rasas (roughly "moods") are devotion and heroism [tala: Ada Chautāl]:

Che ragŏ mĕ se eka rāga / Bhakti rasa, vira rasa / Mālakosha kehārvata / Vadī swara madhyamano samavādi sarajamano arohi SgmdmS avarohi nSSndmSndmgmgs

List of ragas in the Kauns family

[edit]

The unique musical structure of Malkauns has given rise to many variations, creating what may be called a 'Kauns' family of related ragas.

  • Chandrakauns
  • Bageshri-Ang Chandrakauns
  • Nandkauns
  • Sampoorna Malkauns
  • Pancham Malkauns
  • Gunkauns
  • Madhukauns
  • Jogkauns
  • Nirmalkauns
  • Tulsikauns

Film songs

[edit]

'Man Tarpat Hari Darshan Ko Aaj' (film Baiju Bawra, performed by Mohammad Rafi), 'Aadha Hai Chandrama Raat Aadhi' (film Navrang, performed by Mahendra Kapoor and Asha Bhosle), 'Chham Chham Ghunghroo Bole' (film Kaajal, performed by Asha Bhosle), 'Ankhiyan Sang Ankhiyaan Laagi Aaj' (film Bada Aadmi), 'Balma Maane Na' (film Opera House) and 'Rang raliyaan karat sautan sang' (film Birbal My Brother), 'Ek Ladki Thi' (film Love You Hamesha, performed by Kavita Krishnamurti) are a few Hindi film compositions based on Malkauns. 'Rajasekhara' in the film 'Anarkali' in Tamil and Telugu is a composition based on this in South India. "Ohm Namashivaya" and "Margazhi Poove" songs in Tamil by Ilaiyaraaja and AR Rahman from Salangai Oli and May Madham respectively,""Neenu Neene" song from the movie Gadibidi Ganda, "Ra Ra" song in the movie Apthamitra in Kannada are also the best examples.

Tamil Film Songs

[edit]

Note that the following songs are composed in Hindolam, the equivalent of raga Malkauns in Carnatic music.

Song Movie Year Composer Singer
Azhaikathey Manaalane Mangaiyin Baakkiyam 1957 P. Adinarayana Rao P. Susheela
Kangalum Kavi Paadudhe Adutha Veettu Penn 1960 Sirkazhi Govindarajan, Thiruchi Loganathan
Ennai Vittu Odipoga Mudiyumaa Kumudham 1961 K. V. Mahadevan Sirkazhi Govindarajan, P. Susheela
Maamaa Maamaa Maamaa T. M. Soundararajan, K. Jamuna Rani
Iravukku Aayiram Kulamagal Radhai 1963 P. Susheela
Pachchai Maa Malaipol Meni Thirumal Perumai 1968 T. M. Soundararajan
Or Aayiram Parvaiyile Vallavanukku Vallavan 1965 Vedha (Credits only)
Nilavukku Emmel Ennadi Kobam Policekaran Magal 1962 Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy P. B. Sreenivas
Malaro Nilavo Raga Bandhangal Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan P. Jayachandran
Ramanukku Mannan Mudi Pathu Matha Pantham Shankar–Ganesh P. Bhanumathi
Maname Muruganin Motor Sundaram Pillai 1966 M. S. Viswanathan Soolamangalam Jayalakshmi
Iyarkai Ennum Shanti Nilayam 1969 S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela
Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen Avalukendru Or Manam 1971 S. Janaki
Om Namashivaya Salangai Oli 1983 Ilaiyaraaja
Vilakku Vaipom Athma 1993
Sri Devi En Vazhvil Ilamai Kolam 1980 K. J. Yesudas
Darisanam Kidaikatha Alaigal Oivathillai 1981 Ilaiyaraaja, S. Janaki
Naan Thedum Sevanthi Dharma Pathini 1986
Yentha Jenmam Ezhumalayan Magimai
Ragavane Ramana Ilamai Kaalangal 1983 P. Susheela, K. S. Chithra (Debut in Tamil)
Unnal Mudiyum Thambi Unnal Mudiyum Thambi 1988 S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Kanna Unai Thedugiren Unakkaagave Vaazhgiren 1986 S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
Thendral Thaan Keladi Kanmani 1990 K. J. Yesudas, K. S. Chithra
Hey Raja Jallikattu 1987 S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Mano
Ooradungum Saamathile Pudhupatti Ponnuthaayi Uma Ramanan, Swarnalatha
En Veettu Jannal Raman Abdullah 1997 Arunmozhi, Bhavatharini
Oh Janani Pudhiya Raagam 1991 Mano
Nilave Nee Vara Vendum Ennarukil Nee Irunthal Ilaiyaraaja
Vazhatha Pennin Manam Thanga Thamaraigal K. S. Chithra
Panja Swarangal Puthiya Sangamam Gangai Amaran P. Susheela
Marghazhi Poove May Maadham 1994 A. R. Rahman Shobha Shankar
Yakkai Thiri Aaytha Ezhuthu 2004 A.R.Rahman, Pop Shalini, Tanvi Shah, Sunitha Sarathy
Irumbile Enthiran 2010 A. R. Rahman, Kash n' Krissy
Magudi Magudi Kadal 2013 Aryan Dinesh, Chinmayee, Tanvi Shah
Innisai Alapadaiye Varalaru 2006 Naresh Iyer, Mahathi
Kumudam Pol Moovendhar 1998 Sirpy Hariharan
Katradikkum Neram Vivasaayi Magan 1997 Mano, K. S. Chithra
Thevaram Paadatha Partha Parvayil M. M. A. Iniyavan
Sirumalli Poove Jallikattu Kaalai 1994 Deva
Un Marbile Vizhi Moodi Ninaithen Vandhai 1998 K. S. Chithra
Paadavandha Poonguyile Oyilattam S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Va Va Endhan Cheran Pandiyan 1991 Soundaryan
Aathi Vadayile Sindhu Nathi Poo 1994 K. J. Yesudas, Asha Latha
Sangeetha Vanil Chinna Poove Mella Pesu 1987 S. A. Rajkumar S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Vani Jairam
Ithazhodu Ithal Serum Mannukkul Vairam 1986 Devendran S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
Thendraliley Mithanthu Puthiya Thendral S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra
Siragulla Nilave Vaa Inidhu Inidhu Kadhal Inidhu 2003 Devi Sri Prasad
Chinna Chinna Megam Devaraagam 1996 M. M. Keeravani S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Sujatha Mohan
Santhanam Theychachi Manikkam 1996 Karthik Raja Bhavatharini
Chandira Mandalathai Nilaave Vaa 1998 Vidyasagar Vijay, Harini, S. P. Charan
Kavidhai Iravu Sullan 2004 Karthik, K. S. Chithra
Aazhakkadalu Thendral Madhu Balakrishnan
Sollathan Ninaikiren Kadhal Sugamanathu 2001 Shiva Sankar S. P. Balasubrahmanyam (sad version), K. S. Chithra
Uyirile Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu 2006 Harris Jayaraj Mahalakshmi Iyer, Srinivas
Vatta Vatta Thennavan 2003 Yuvan Shankar Raja Unni Menon, Padmalatha
Kalavani Kodiveeran 2017 N. R. Raghunanthan V. V. Prasanna, Soundarya
Othaiyadi Pathayila Kanaa 2018 Dhibu Ninan Thomas Anirudh Ravichander
Kadai Kannaaley Bhoomi 2021 D. Imman Shreya Ghoshal, Varun Parandhaman

Compositions of Hindustani Classical Music

[edit]
S.No Bandish Type Bandish Initial Bol Composer Author Taal
1 Dhrupad Aadi Brahma Aadi Naad

आदि ब्रह्म आदि नाद[8]

Acharya Pt Gokulotsavji Maharaj ChouTaal

Important recordings

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ music., Jairazbhoy, Nazir Ali, 1927-2009. Rags of North Indian (1971), Examples of North Indian rags played by Vilayat Khan (Sitar) : a recorded supplement to 'The rags of North Indian music'., Faber and Faber Ltd, OCLC 225669821, retrieved 12 January 2022{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ a b c Daniélou, Alain (1968). The Rāgas of northern Indian music. Barrie and Rockliff, London. p. 324. ISBN 0-214-15689-3.
  3. ^ a b "Indian classical music: Different kinds of ragas". The Times of India. 29 September 2016. Retrieved 10 May 2021.
  4. ^ "Namo Venkatesaya – Single by Mahesh Mahadev, Priyadarshini & S. P. Balasubrahmanyam". Apple Music. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  5. ^ Bagchee, Sandeep (1998). Nād: Understanding Rāga Music. BPI (India) PVT Ltd. p. 300. ISBN 81-86982-07-8.
  6. ^ Sonneck, Oscar George (1985). The Musical quarterly. p. 160. Retrieved 26 May 2021. They are set to one of the most widely performed ragas in North India, the pentatonic midnight raga Malkauns. The most important notes of Malkauns are Sa (the tonic) and Ma (the fourth). Both the gats and the tihais "cadence" on one of ...
  7. ^ Gosvami (1957) p. 236 f.
  8. ^ Māthura, Nītā. (2011). Śāstrīya saṅgīta ke sūrya : Ācārya (Paṃ.) Gokulotsava Jī Mahārāja : saṅgīta sevā, śāstra cintana evaṃ bandiśoṃ kā saṅkalana (1. saṃskaraṇa ed.). Naī Dillī: Rādhā Pablikeśansa. ISBN 978-81-7487-765-9. OCLC 769743702.
  9. ^ "Raag malkauns ali Mubarak khan". Retrieved 27 September 2023 – via YouTube.
[edit]

Literature

[edit]
  • Gosvami, O. (1957), The Story of Indian Music, Bombay: Asia Publishing House