Kapi

This month’s Raagam is Kapi. It is a Janya of Karaharapriya, the 22nd Melakarta Raagam. There are 5 notes in the arohanam. The Avarohanam has all 7 notes but in a vakra form.
Arohanam- S R2 M1 P N3 S
Avarohanam- S N2 D2 N2 P M1 N2 P G2 R2 N2 S
Two notes have special use in this Raagam, making it a Bhashanga Raagam. They are Kakali Nishadam and Antara Gandharam. The use of two different Nishada swaras N2 and N3 and Antara Gandharam G3 give the Raagam a unique appeal. Shuddha daivatam is also used and conveys the emotion of bhakti very beautifully. The Raagam is equivalent to Pilu in Hindustani music.
There are many popular compositions in Kapi. Jagadodharana by Purandaradasa, Enna Thavam Seidanai- Papanasam Sivan,Maya Gopabala – KC Kesava Pillai and of course Saint Thyagaraja’s kritis- Mee Valla Gunadoshamu and Inta Sowkhya. Charanamule Nammiti- Bhadrachalam Ramdas, The attached recording is Saint Thyagaraja’s Inta Sowkhya Manine set to Adi Taalam. The medium to slow pace in which Kritis in Kapi raagam are rendered brings out the melody of the Raagam.
Enjoy this lovely Raagam!
Lakshmi

March 2019

Sowkhya Manine