Raga Darbari, also known as Darbari Kanada, is a majestic and profound raga in the Indian classical music tradition. With its slow and contemplative pace, it has become one of the most popular ragas in the Hindustani classical music genre. Its deep and contemplative notes make it a favorite among music lovers and musicians alike. In this article, we will explore the history of Raga Darbari or Darbari Kanada, its unique characteristics, and its contribution to Indian classical music.
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Raga Darbari or Darbari Kanada
History of Raga Darbari:
Darbari has its roots in the Mughal courts of North India. It was considered the ultimate raga in the Mughal era and was often performed for royalty. The name Darbari means “of the court,” and it is said that the raga was created to evoke the grandeur and majesty of the Mughal courts. Darbari is also associated with the legendary musician Tansen, who was a court musician of Mughal emperor Akbar.
Origins and Evolution of Raga Darbari:
The origins of Raga Darbari are somewhat obscure and shrouded in mystery. Some scholars believe that it was created during the Mughal era when music and art were flourishing under the patronage of the Mughal emperors. The raga was believed to be favored by the royal court and performed during important ceremonies and occasions.
Others believe that Darbari may have originated from the folk traditions of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The name ‘Darbari’ itself means “related to the court” in Urdu, indicating its royal associations. However, regardless of its origins, the raga became an essential part of the Indian classical music tradition and has evolved over time.
Characteristics of Raga Darbari:
Raga Darbari is known for its slow and steady pace, with a meditative and contemplative mood. It is usually performed in the late evening or early night, making it perfect for introspection and contemplation. It is characterized by its use of the flat or komal notes, which give it a melancholic and introspective quality.
The raga is usually performed in the lower and middle octaves, making use of the lower notes to create a sense of depth and introspection. The notes used in Darbari are Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, and Ni, with the flat or komal notes being Re, Ga, Dha, and Ni.
Darbari Kanada is a pentatonic raga, which means it is based on a scale of five notes. The notes used in this raga are Sa, Re, Ma, Pa, and Ni, and it is characterized by its use of flattened or komal notes. The raga has a rich, full-bodied sound, which is often described as majestic and profound. It is also known for its slow and leisurely pace, which allows for a great deal of improvisation and embellishment.
Thaat and Jati of Raga Darbari:
Raga Darbari belongs to the Bilaval thaat, which is a parent scale in Hindustani classical music. The thaat consists of seven notes: Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, and Ni. Darbari is a slow-paced raga and has a jati of shadav-sampurna, which means that it has six notes in the ascending order and seven notes in the descending order.
Time of Singing of Raga Darbari:
Raga Darbari is traditionally performed during the late evening hours, from 9 PM to midnight. The raga is associated with the mood of introspection and contemplation and is said to have a calming effect on the listener.
Important Recordings of Raga Darbari:
The raga is particularly well-suited to vocal music, and many of its most famous performances have been by vocalists rather than instrumentalists. There have been many iconic recordings of Raga Darbari by some of the greatest musicians of Hindustani classical music. Some of the most important recordings include Ustad Amir Khan’s rendition of Darbari, which is considered one of the greatest renditions of the raga ever recorded. Other notable recordings include Ustad Vilayet Khan’s sitar rendition, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi’s rendition and Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan’s rendition of the raga.
Darbari of Ustad Amir Khan:
Darbari of Ustad Vilayet Khan:
Raga Darbari used in Indian Film Music:
It is a late-night raga, which is traditionally performed during the second or third part of the night. The raga is said to have a calming effect on the mind and is known for its soul-stirring and meditative qualities. It is also widely used in Indian film music, where it has been adapted to suit a wide range of moods and emotions. In Indian film music, Darbari Kanada has been used extensively in both classical and contemporary songs.
There are several well-known songs that belong to the Darbari Kanada, including “Ghunghat Ke Pat Khol Re Tohe Piya Milenge,” “Jhana Jhanak Tori Baje Payaliaya,” “Mujhe Tumse Kuch Bhi Na Chahiye,” and “O Duniya Ke Rakhwale.”
- Ab Kahan Jayen Ham | Film – Ujala | Year – 1959 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Shankar Jaikishan | Singer(s) – Manna Dey
- Ab Mori Vinti Suno Bhagwaan | Film – Taj | Year – 1956 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Hemant Kumar | Singer(s) – Mohd. Rafi
- Agar Mujhse Muhobbat Hai, Mujhe Sab Apne Gam De Do | Film – Aap Ki Parchhaiyan | Year – 1964 | Rag – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Dadra | Music Director(s) – Madan Mohan | Singer(s) – Lata Mangeshkar
- Basti Basti Parbat Parbat | Film – Railway Platform | Year – 1955 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Madan Mohan
- Chandi Ki Divar Na Todi | Film – Vishvaas | Year – 1969 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Kalyanji, Anandji
- Daiya Re Daiya Laj Mohe Lage | Film – Leader | Year – 1964 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Naushad | Singer(s) – Asha Bhosle
- Dekha Hai Pehli Baar | Film – Saajan | Year – 1991 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Dadra | Music Director(s) – Nadeem Shravan | Singer(s) – Alka Yagnik, S.P. Balsubramaniam
- Dil Jalta Hai To Jalane De | Film – Pahli Nazar | Year – 1945 | Rag – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Anil Biswas | Singer(s) – Mukesh
- Duniya Badal Gayi | Film – Babul | Year – 1950 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Dadra | Music Director(s) – Naushad | Singer(s) – Talat Mehmood, Shamshad Begum
- Guzre Hain Aaj Ishq Men | Film – Dil Diya Dard Liya | Year – 1966 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Dadra | Music Director(s) – Naushad | Singer(s) – Mohd. Rafi
- Ham Tujh Se Muhabbat Kar Ke | Film – Awara | Year – 1951 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Shankar Jaikishan | Singer(s) – Mukesh
- Ham Tum Se Juda Ho Ke | Film – Ek Sapera Ek Lutera | Year – 1965 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Usha Khanna | Singer(s) – Mohd. Rafi
- Hangama Hai Kyon Barpa | Film – (non-film song) | Year – 1994 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – | Singer(s) – Ghulam Ali
- Jay Radha Madhav Jai Kunjbihari | Film – (non-film song) | Year – | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – | Singer(s) –
- Jhanak Jhanak Tori Baje Payeliya | Film – Mere Huzur | Year – 1968 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Tintal | Music Director(s) – Shankar, Jaikishan | Singer(s) – Manna Dey
- Jogi Aaya | Film – Black & White | Year – 2008 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Sukhwinder Singh | Singer(s) – Sukhwinder Singh, Sadhana Sargam
- Kabhi Dil Dil Se Takarata To Hoga | Film – Anokhi Ada | Year – 1948 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Naushad | Singer(s) – Shamshad Begum
- Kitna Hasin Hai Mausam | Film – Azad | Year – 1955 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – C. Ramchandra | Singer(s) – Lata Mangeshkar, C. Ramchandra
- Koi Matwala Ayaa Mere Dware | Film – Love In Tokyo | Year – 1966 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Punjabi Theka (Sitarkhani) | Music Director(s) – Shankar, Jaikishan | Singer(s) – Lata Mangeshkar
- Main Nigahen Tere Chehare se Hataun Kaise | Film – Aap ki Parchaiyyan | Year – 1964 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Dadra | Music Director(s) – Madan Mohan | Singer(s) – Mohd. Rafi
- Mere Mehboob Shayad Aaj Kuchh | Film – Kitne Paas Kitne Door | Year – 1976 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Chand Pardesi | Singer(s) – Chandrani Mukherji
- Mitava Laut Aye Ri | Film – Sangeet Samrat Tansen | Year – 1962 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – | Music Director(s) – S.N. Tripathi | Singer(s) – Manna Dey
- Muhabbat Ki Jhuthi Kahani Pe Roye | Film – Mughal-e-Azam | Year – 1960 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Naushad | Singer(s) – Lata Mangeshkar
- Nain Se Nain Milaye Rakhne Ko | Film – Waada | Year – 1957 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Ektal, with short bit in Tintal | Music Director(s) – Rashid Atre | Singer(s) – Ustad Fateh Ali Khan and Zahida Perveen
- Nainheen Ko Raah Dikha Prabhu | Film – Bhakta Surdaas | Year – 1942 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Gyan Dutt | Singer(s) – K.L. Saigal
- O Duniya Ke Rakhavale | Film – Baiju Bawra | Year – 1952 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Naushad | Singer(s) – Mohd. Rafi
- Pag Ghoongroo Bandh Meera Naachi Thi | Film – Namak Halal | Year – 1982 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Bappi Lahari | Singer(s) – Kishore Kumar
- Pyar Ki Aag Men Tan Badan (a.k.a. Duniya Bananewale) | Film – Ziddi | Year – 1964 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – S.D. Burman | Singer(s) – Manna Dey
- Raha Gardishon Men Haradam | Film – Do Badan | Year – 1966 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Ravi | Singer(s) – Mohd. Rafi
- Sarfaroshi Ki Tammana | Film – Shaheed | Year – 1965 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Dadra | Music Director(s) – Prem Dhawan | Singer(s) – Mohd. Rafi, Manna Dey, Rajendra Mehta
- Satyam Shivam Sundaram | Film – Satyam Shivam Sundaram | Year – 1978 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Laxmikant, Pyarelal | Singer(s) – Lata Mangeshkar
- Shairana Si Hai Zindagi Ki Faza | Film – Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Ayi | Year – 1993 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Dadra | Music Director(s) – Anu Malik | Singer(s) – Alka Yagnik
- Suhani Chaandni Raaten Hamen Sone Nahin Deti | Film – Mukti | Year – 1977 | Raga Darbari Kanada | Tal – Dadra | Music Director(s) – R.D. Burman | Singer(s) – Mukesh
- Tere Dar Pe Ayaa Hun, Kuchh Karke Jaunga | Film – Laila Majnu | Year – 1976 | Raga Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Madan Mohan | Singer(s) – Mohd. Rafi
- Teri Duniya Mein Dil Lagta Nahin | Film – Baware Nain | Year – 1950 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Roshan | Singer(s) – Mukesh
- Tora Man Darpan Kahalay | Film – Kaajal | Year – 1965 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Ravi | Singer(s) – Asha Bhosle
- Tu Jo Nahin Hai to Kuch Bhi Nahin Hai | Film – Wo Lamhe | Year – 2006 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Pritam | Singer(s) – Glenn John
- Tu Pyar Ka Sagar Hai | Film – Seema | Year – 1955 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Shankar Jaikishan | Singer(s) – Manna Dey, Chorus
- Tumhe Zindagi Ke Ujale Mubarak | Film – Poornima | Year – 1965 | Raga Darbari Kanada | Tal – Jhaptal | Music Director(s) – Kalyanji, Anandji | Singer(s) – Mukesh
- Tumse Hi Ghar Ghar Kahalaya | Film – Bhabhi Ki Chudiyaan | Year – 1961 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Sudhir Phadke | Singer(s) – Mukesh
- Tuthe Hue Khvabon Ne | Film – Madhumati | Year – 1958 | Raga – Darbari Kanada | Tal – Kaherava | Music Director(s) – Salil Chowdhury | Singer(s) – Mohd. Rafi
- Ud Ja Bhanwar Maya Kamal Ka | Film – Rani Roopmati | Year – 1959 | Raga Darbari Kanada | Tal – Rupaktal | Music Director(s) – S.N. Tripathi | Singer(s) – Manna Dey
- Woh Mohabbat Woh Wafaayen | Film – Noor Jahan | Year – 1967 | Raga Darbari Kanada | Tal – Dadra | Music Director(s) – Roshan | Singer(s) – Mohd. Rafi
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