Desh : Introduction

Desh is a Hindustani classical raga.

Technical description

The raga is of Audav-sampurna nature, i.e., in its arohana (ascent) only five notes are used, whereas the avarohana (descent) uses all the seven notes. Shuddha Ni is used in the arohana, while Komal Ni (represented as ni below) is used in avarohana. All other swaras are shuddha.

Arohana: Sa Re, Ma Pa Ni,Sa.

Avarohana: Sa ni Dha, Pa Dha Ma Ga Re, Pa Ma Ga, Re Ga Ni Sa.

Pakad: Re, Ma Pa Ni, Sa Re ni Dha Pa,ma Ga Re

The vadi swara is Re, and the samvadi is Pa.

Samai (Time)

The raga is to be sung during the second quarter of the night.

Further Information

Re is very prominent, quite a few times the singer rests on Re, making it a centre to the melody. The Meend from Ma to Re via Ga is one of the most vital features of the raga. The arohana via shuddha Ni, and the transition from Re to komal Ni in the avorahana form an important part of the melodies in this raga. Further, Desh is quite close to neighboring ragas like Tilak Kamod, and hence requires skilful rendition to separate itself.

Prominent Songs

Desh has been used in patriotic compositions. Vande Mataram, the national song of India, is the most well-known. The popular old Doordarshan video Baje Sargam, that featured many respected Indian classical singers, is also based on Desh.

Rabindrasangeet based on the raga

The versatile man and Noble Laurete, Rabindranath Tagore, had very often used Hindustani Classical Music and Carnatic Classical Music in his songs (Rabindrasangeet). The songs based on this raga Des are listed below:

  • Aachhe Tomar Bidye Sadhhi
  • Aaj Taaler Boner Karotaali
  • Aaji Mor Dware Kahar
  • Aamader Sokhire Ke Niye
  • Aamar E Ghore Aaponar
  • Aamar Je Sob Dite Hobe
  • Aamar Satya Mithya Sakoli
  • Aami Jene Shune Bish
  • Aar Rekho Na Aandhare
  • Anek Diner Aamar Je Gaan
  • Anek Kotha Bolechilem
  • Animesh Aankhi Sei Ke De
  • Dekhaye De Kotha Aachhe
  • Dhoroni Dure Cheye Keno
  • Dnaarao Maatha Khaao
  • Duare Dao More Rakhia
  • E Bharote Raakho Nityo
  • Ebaar Bujhi Bholar Bela
  • Ebaar To Jouboner Kachhe
  • Ebaar Ujaar Kore Lowo He
  • Ei Lobhinu Songo Tabo
  • Ei Shrabon Bela Badol Jhora
  • Emon Dine Taare Bola Jaay
  • Eso Aamar Ghore
  • Eso Shyamalosundaro
  • Gagoner Thale Robi Chandra
  • Gahonraate Shrabondhara
  • Garob Mamo Horechho Prob
  • Haay Ke Dibe Aar Santona
  • Hey Bidesi Eso Eso
  • Jaag Jaag Re Jaag Sangeet
  • Je Din Sakol Mukul
  • Jeyo Na Jeyo Na Phire
  • Jhore Jaay Ure Jaay Go
  • Jodi Holo Jaabar Kshon
  • Keno Raaja Daakis Keno
  • Knaadale Tumi More
  • Knaapiche Deholota
  • Kotha Hote Baaje Prembedona
  • Kothaay Aalo Kothaay Ore
  • Kshomite Parilam Na Je
  • Naa Naa Kaaj Nai Jeyo Naa
  • Ogo Sundar Ekada Ki Jaani
  • Probhu Khelechhi Aanek
  • Puruser Bidya Korechinu
  • Se Aase Dhire
  • Shrabano Borisano Paar
  • Shrabonmegher Aadhek
  • Sokhi Lo Sokhi Lo
  • Taai Tomar Ananda Aamar
  • Taare Dekhate Paari Ne
  • Tomari Tore Maa Sopinu
  • Toper Taper Baadhon Katu
  • Tumi Chhere Chhile Bhule
  • Utol Dhara Badol Jhore
ThaatKhamaj
Vaadi/SamvaadiR/P
Prahar5 (6 pm - 9 pm)
Important Anuvaadi
AarohaS-R-m-P-N-S'
BhaavShadj-Madhyam
AvarohaS'-n-D-P-m-G-R-G-'N-S
Saptak-pradhaanataTar
PakadR-m-P, n-D-P, D-m-G-R, G-'N-S
Tanpura TuningP
JaatiAudav-Sampoorn
Other Characteristics Komal Ga is a vivadi, but is used once in a while, usually in tar-saptak.
Ma is sometimes used as kan-swar between Sa and Re in aroh.
Similar Raagas Tilak Kamod
Popular Film Songs1. Dil ne kahaa, chupake se, pyaar hua chupake se
Film: 1942 A Love Story
Singers: Kavita Krishnamurthy
Taala:
Music Director: R. D. Burman
Poet: Javed Akhtar
2. Door koi gaaye, dhun ye sunaaye
Film: Baiju Bawra
Singers: Shamshad Begum Lata Mangeshkar
Taala: Keharva
Music Director: Naushad
Poet: Shakeel Badayuni
3. Ham tere pyaar mein saara aalam kho baithe
Film:
Singers:
Taala: Dadra
Music Director:
Poet:
4. Om jai jagadish hare
Film: Poorav Aur Pashchim
Singers: Mahendra Kapoor Mukesh
Taala: Keharva
Music Director: Laxmikant Pyarelal
Poet: Traditional
5. Phir kahin koi phool khila, chaahat na kaho usko
Film: Anubhav
Singers: Manna Dey
Taala:
Music Director: Kanu Roy
Poet: Kapil Kumar
Non-Film Songs1. Chadaria jhini re jhini (Bhajan)
Singers: Anup Jalota
Taala: Bhajan
Music Director:
Poet: Kabir
2. Vande maataram (Other)
Singers: Traditional
Taala:
Music Director:
Poet: Traditional