Bilaskhani Todi


Bilaskhani Todi is a Hindustani classical raga. It is a blend of the ragas Asavari and Todi, and has a close affinity with Komal Rishabh Asavari. Though being named Bilaskhani Todi, it does not belong to the Thaat Todi, but it belongs to the Thaat Bhairavi. It is named Bilaskhani Todi because of the Meend used while singing the notes 'Ga' and 'Re', a common feature of the Raag 'Todi'.

Theory

The Hindustani classical raga Bilaskhani Todi is an example of the flaws of the Bhatkhande thaat system because it is classified under the Bhairavi thaat based on the notes it uses, but it is actually a type of Todi, and permitting any Bhairavi during a performance kills the raga.

Arohana and avarohana

  • Arohana: Sa re ga Pa dha Sa
  • Avarohana: re ni dha Ma ga re Sa

    Vadi and samavadi & Nais Swara

  • Vadi: dha
  • Samavadi: ga
  • Nais Swara: Sa, Re, Ga, Pa, Dha

    Organization and relationships

Samay (Time)

Morning, between 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Seasonality

Certain ragas have seasonal associations.

Rasa

Devotional, Bhakti

Historical information

Origins

Legend has it that this raga was created by Bilas Khan, son of Miyan Tansen, after his father's death. It is said that while trying to sing Todi, his father's favorite raga, in the wake of his father, Bilas was so grief-stricken that he mixed up his notes. That gave birth to this raga, and that Tansen's corpse moved one hand in approval of the new melody.

Important recordings

Hindi

Tamil