Mian Malhar
Mian Malhar is one of India’s most popular monsoon season ragas. Attributed to the legendary singer Mian Tansen, this raga evokes the beauty and power of the rainy season, often believed to have the ability to bring rain through its enchanting melody. Its rich and expressive tonalities make it a favorite among classical musicians and listeners, bringing a sense of tranquility and renewal.
On this page you will learn the key phrases of Mian Malhar. Watch the video and you will gain a solid understanding of what is permissible in the raga, and how to bring out the emotion of the raga.
Deepen your understanding of this raga by taking the Mian Malhar course in Bansuri Bliss Academy . Gain full access to the Academy and numerous other resources when you become a Bansuri Bliss Member.
Mian Malhar – Chalan and Key Phrases
Bansuri Bliss Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger introduces Mian Malhar and writes out a chalan (movement) to show its key phrases in the style of a brief alap.
We learn that the vadi is Re and the samvadi is Pa. Spend a lot of time on the Komal Ni and Shuddh Ni but don’t spend much time on the Dha.
The raga has similarity to Darbari and other Kanhra family ragas in its use of Komal Ga: specifically a touch of andalan (waver) and the use of gmRS to return to Sa.
We also have a brief pop quiz:
What note most likely follows…
(1) Low Komal Ni
(2) Komal Ga
(3) Low Shuddh Ni
Answers below.
Video recorded June 15th, 2024 in Ibague, Colombia as a Bansuri Bliss Members Lesson.
Quiz answers: (1) Low Dha (2) Shuddh Ma (3) Sa
Get A PDF Of The Written Notation
Do you want a PDF of the written notation from this lesson? If so, simply email us with Mian Malhar Chalan PDF written in the subject line and we will send it to you.
Did you know…the raga name is sometimes written as Miyan ki Malhar or Miya Malhar. Other ragas in the Malhar family include Chayya Malhar, Ramdasi Malhar, Megh Malhar and Desh Malhar.
