History & Origins
Bihag is one of the most popular night ragas in the Hindustani classical tradition, widely performed across all gharanas. Its use of both Madhyams (sharp in ascent, natural in the descent's characteristic phrase) gives it a distinctive dual character. The raga became particularly associated with the Khayal tradition and is one of the most common vehicles for romantic compositions.
The Notes of Raga Bihag
Raga Bihag is a Audava-Sampurna raga, meaning it uses audava-sampurna notes. The ascending and descending movements of the raga are defined below. In Indian classical notation, lowercase letters indicate flattened (komal) notes, and t superscript indicates a sharpened (tivra) note.
The Characteristic Phrase (Pakad)
The pakad is the signature melodic gesture of a raga: the phrase that immediately identifies it to an experienced listener. For Raga Bihag, the pakad is:
Performance
A Bihag performance has an immediately recognisable sweetness. The opening alaap establishes the raga's intimate, nocturnal quality through careful exploration of the middle octave. The characteristic movement through tivra Ma in ascent and the drop to shuddha Ma in the avarohana phrase (Ma Pa Ga Re Sa) is Bihag's identifying signature. The raga builds gradually to faster taans in the upper register.
Spiritual Significance
Bihag is primarily a raga of shringara (romantic love) in its most tender, intimate aspect. It lacks the grandeur of Yaman or the gravity of Bhairav; instead it offers a direct, uncomplicated beauty that has made it beloved by audiences who may be new to classical music. Its emotional world is the private sweetness of the late evening.
Notable Performers
- Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
- Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
- Ustad Rashid Khan
- Kishori Amonkar
Famous Compositions
- Many celebrated Khayal bandishes across all gharanas
- Numerous thumris and semi-classical pieces