Thaat in Indian Classical Music

Unveiling the Parent Scales:

Let’s delve into the concept of Thaat, the foundational framework for numerous Raags. Imagine Thaat as a family tree – it represents ten parent scales from which many Raags are derived. Each Thaat, a seven-note scale, acts as a distinct parent, influencing the character and emotional depth of its descendant Raags.

What is a Thaat?

A Thaat is a heptatonic (seven-note) scale that forms the basic structure for a group of Raags. It defines the possible notes a Raag can use, but doesn’t dictate the specific ascending (Aaroh) and descending (Avroh) movements or the characteristic phrases (Chalan) that define a Raag.

The Ten Thaats:

Here’s a breakdown of the ten widely used Thaats in Hindustani Classical Music:

1. Bilawal Thaat:

• Notes: S R G M P D N (Natural scale – C D E F G A B C)
• Characteristics: This Thaat embodies brightness and majesty. Raags like Yaman Kalyan (known for its celebratory feel) and Bhairavi (evoking devotion) are born from Bilawal Thaat.

2. Kalyan Thaat:

• Notes: S R G M# P D N (Similar to Bilawal but with a slightly different emphasis on Ga)
• Characteristics: Kalyan Thaat radiates joy and celebration. Popular Raags like Basant Bahar (associated with spring) and Miyan ki Todi (known for its playful mood) stem from this Thaat.

3. Khamaj Thaat:

• Notes: S R G M P D n
  
• Characteristics: Khamaj Thaat possesses a melancholic and introspective nature. Renowned Raags like Jaunpuri (evoking a sense of longing) and Bihag (known for its contemplative mood) belong to Khamaj Thaat.

4. Bhairav Thaat:

• Notes: S r G M P d N
• Characteristics: Bhairav Thaat carries a solemn and devotional character. Renowned Raags like Bhairav (associated with Shiva) and Marwa (known for its depth) are part of this Thaat.

5. Poorvi Thaat:

• Notes: S r G M# P d N
  
• Characteristics: Poorvi Thaat evokes a sense of serenity and longing. Popular Raags like Poorvi Dhwani (known for its melancholic beauty) and Des (associated with separation) belong to Poorvi Thaat.

6. Marwa Thaat:

• Notes: S r G M# D N
  
• Characteristics: Marwa Thaat possesses a sense of pathos and deep emotions. Raagas like Pahadi (evoking the mountains) and Charukeshi (known for its dramatic flair) are derived from Marwa Thaat.

7. Kafi Thaat:

• Notes: S R g M P D n
  
• Characteristics: Kafi Thaat is known for its mystical and introspective character. Renowned Raags like Kafi (associated with Sufism) and Yaman (known for its depth) belong to Kafi Thaat.

8. Asavari Thaat:

• Notes: S R g M P d n
• Characteristics: Asavari Thaat possesses a melancholic and romantic mood. Popular Raags like Asavari (known for its poignant beauty) and Darbari Kanada (evoking grandeur) are part of Asavari Thaat.

9. Bhairavi Thaat:

• Notes: S r g M P d n
  
• Characteristics: Bhairavi Thaat evokes a sense of devotion and serenity. Renowned Raags like Bhairavi (associated with Shakti) and Malkuns (known for its meditative quality) are derived from Bhairavi Thaat.

10. Todi Thaat:

• Notes: S r g M# P d N
  
• Characteristics: Todi Thaat is known for its melancholic and contemplative character. Popular Raags like Todi (evoking separation) and Jaijaiwanti (known for its emotional depth) belong to Todi Thaat.

Important Points to Remember:

While the Thaats provide a basic framework, it’s crucial to remember that Raags derived from the same Thaat can have distinct emotional flavors. This is due to the variations in Aaroh (ascending movement), Avroh (descending movement), and Chalan (characteristic melodic phrases) that define each Raag.

A Raag need not strictly adhere to all the notes of its parent Thaat. It might omit some notes or include additional notes for its specific character.

Understanding Thaat allows you to appreciate the underlying structure that binds various Raags and provides a deeper appreciation for the vast and beautiful world of Indian Classical Music.