Esraj - Controversial Raag

Some people say this is the "Old School Basant" (Since the time of the Sikh Gurus about 400-500+ years ago)

Some call it Raag Kaushik / Raag Kaushiki / Kaushikdhwani(?) - I've heard two versions of Kaushikdhwani: one the way I'm playing it, and another with some extra notes used in specific patterns.

Others call it Raag Bin Shadja / Bin Kharaj

I dont like to argue. I try to just enjoy the music.

Technically: The Mood of the Alaap Part doesn't feel quite right, I think I didn't put enough emphasis on the primary notes.- I'm quite happy with the Jor though.


want mp3s of my teacher playing Esraj?
get them at http://harsangeet.com/2008/05/esraj-album-1-2008/

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Esraj
• Sarangi
• Dilruba
• Sitar
• Indian
• Classical
• Music

[ppadmana]

I have a background in Carnatic music. Sounds like the Carnatic raag (ragam) Vasantha. Excellent rendition. I heard Ustad Ranbir Singh's rendition as well. Opened my eyes to traditional Sikh music. It's wonderful, full of depth and quality.

[manavk]

Thank you Ji.

Harmeet ji: notice how in the Carnatic tradition - this same raag is called "Vasantha" .. the word sounds a lot like "Basant" no ?

So the controversy is: who is right? which is the original?

my personal answer: You cant prove anything because you cannot go back in time to find out. So just relax enjoy the music.

[harmeettatla1981]

Why is this rag contraversial? Whats the story behind it

[manavk]

Indian Classical Music was traditionally not written down or fixed by any centralized committee. So over time, changes could not be tracked.

Modern Hindustani Classical music says Raag Basant is the one that has re komal, dha komal, and uses both MAs .. I have heard (from tapes) Gurbani Kirtan Scholars say that Raag Basant, during the time of the Sikh Gurus, was played/sung a little closer to what I'm playing here.

[manavk]

on top of that , This Raag is now called Kaushikdwani. But I have heard two versions, one the way I am playing -- and another much more difficult one which includes notes that must be played in a specific pattern.

[alisaroosh]

very nice, God Bless.

[getravi]

beautifully played veerji, i wish i could learn some

[Mrgruntastic]

@atemeles5 wow, I not appreciate your shitty grammar. Idiot.

[arshadesrajplayer]

hi friends i m giving all of u online classes for new students or old students on skype if anyone want to learn tar shehnai esraj dilruba so plz add me on skype my id is arshadisrajplayer

[deepakraag]

To me it sounds like Kaushik Dhwani (bhinna Shadaj)- a Shuddh swar Malkauns of sorts.

[polyvarghese]

this is carnatic raga vasantha in carnatic system vasantha born from the 17th mela kartha sooryakantham 

[atemeles5]

Seems that the sympatetyc strings don't play well...

I not apprechiated a lot this player

[Babaziba]

"Relax and enjoy"... what a beautiful answer. It could be taken as a lesson for all kinds of disagreements. Thank you for the posting, and for the wonderful music.

[amriteighteen]

I like this Basant better.

[m92singh]

waha khya baat ha. very nyc video and amazing performance sounds very soothing........