Rag Kirvani

Description

Kirvani is a very popular rag. It lends itself well to both classical as well as lighter musical styles. Originally it was only found in Carnatic music, then it found popularity among north Indian instrumentalists; but today it is popular among north Indian vocalists as well.

The modality of Kirvani is interesting. It is the same as the Western harmonic minor. It has all natural notes with the exception of komal Ga and komal Dha. Since there is no other Hindustani rag that shares this modality, it is very easy to delineate. Its modality is such that it does not belong to any of Bhatkhande’s ten thats; but it does belong to Kiranavali mela of the South Indian system.

There have been various notes put forward as being the vadi and samvadi, but at this point there doesn’t even appear to be a clear plurality, much less a consensus as to what they might be. Again, they would have no practical effect on the delineation of this rag.

Since it is from Carnatic music, strictly speaking it has no time associated with it. However, there is a general tendency to ascribe it to the second portion of the night.