An Avarohana, Avarohanam or Avaroha, in the context of
Indian classical music
Indian classical music is the classical music of the Indian subcontinent. It has two major traditions: the North Indian classical music known as '' Hindustani'' and the South Indian expression known as '' Carnatic''. These traditions were not ...
, is the descending scale of any
raga
A ''raga'' or ''raag'' (; also ''raaga'' or ''ragam''; ) is a melodic framework for improvisation in Indian classical music akin to a musical mode, melodic mode. The ''rāga'' is a unique and central feature of the classical Indian music tradit ...
.
[''Ragas in Carnatic music'' by Dr. S. Bhagyalekshmy, ''Glossary'' pages, Pub. 1990, CBH Publications] The notes descend in pitch from the upper tonic (taar shadja or Sa) down to the lower tonic, possibly in a crooked (vakra) manner.
Examples
In raga
Darbari, an
Asavari-
thaat raga with
vadi-
samvadi R-P, the avroha is R' n S' d~ n P, m P g~ m R S, with
andolan on the dhaivat and gandhar.
In
Malahari, which is ''
janya'' raga of 15th ''
melakarta
Mēḷakartā is a collection of fundamental musical scales ( ragas) in Carnatic music (South Indian classical music). ''Mēḷakartā'' ragas are parent ragas (hence known as ''janaka'' ragas) from which other ragas may be generated. A ''melak ...
''
Mayamalavagowla, the avarohana is ''S D1 P M1 G2 R1 S''.
See
swaras in Carnatic music for description of this notation.
In
Sahana, a ''janya'' raga of 28th ''melakarta''
Harikambhoji
Harikambhoji (pronounced harikāmbhōji) is a rāgam in Carnatic music (musical scale of South Indian classical music). It is the 28th ''Melakarta'' rāgam (parent scale) in the 72 ''melakarta'' rāgam system.
One of the first scales employed b ...
, the Avarohana is ''S N2 D2 P M1 G3 M1 R2 G3 R2 S''.
This raga in its avarohana has the notes jumping from one to another (a bit like Dattu). This changes the whole feel of the raga, making Sahana a beautiful raga to listen to.
References
{{reflist
Carnatic music terminology
Hindustani music terminology
Ragas