Identify the Raga by given phrases of swara:
(i) Ga Re Ga Pa Dha Ni Sa,
(ii) Ga Ma Dha Ni Dha Ma Ga Sa

Question

Identify the Raga by given phrases of swara: 
(i) Ga Re Ga Pa Dha Ni Sa, 
(ii) Ga Ma Dha Ni Dha Ma Ga Sa

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:
The two given swara phrases are characteristic melodic movements (*chalan*) that accurately identify the two ragas in this option. Phrase (ii), *Ga Ma Dha Ni Dha Ma Ga Sa*, is the most conclusive, as it clearly uses a five-note scale (Sa, Komal Ga, Shuddha Ma, Komal Dha, Komal Ni), which is the precise note set, or *Jati*, of Raga *Malkouns* (Malkauns), where Re and Pa are completely omitted. Phrase (i), *Ga Re Ga Pa Dha Ni Sa*, consists of entirely *Shuddha* (natural) swaras and highlights the *G R G* and *P D N S* movements. These melodic fragments are key identifying features (*pakad ang*) that establish the raga's identity within the *Bilawal Thaat* family, specifically Raga *Alhaiya Bilawal*, a prominent morning raga.

The incorrect option is 1:
This option suggests *Yaman* and *Bhimpalasi*. *Yaman* is a raga from the *Kalyan Thaat* and is defined by its use of *Tivra Madhyam* (sharp Ma), a note not explicitly featured in a dominant way in either swara phrase. *Bhimpalasi* is recognized by the use of *Komal Gandhar* (Ga) and *Komal Nishad* (Ni). However, the first phrase, *Ga Re Ga Pa Dha Ni Sa*, contains *Shuddha Gandhar* and *Shuddha Nishad*, which contradicts the fundamental structure of *Bhimpalasi*, rendering this option incorrect.

The incorrect option is 2:
This option pairs the phrases with *Jaunpuri* and *Malkouns*. While the second phrase, *Ga Ma Dha Ni Dha Ma Ga Sa*, is indeed a perfect match for the *Malkouns* raga, the first phrase, *Ga Re Ga Pa Dha Ni Sa*, is entirely incompatible with *Jaunpuri*. *Jaunpuri* is a raga belonging to the *Asavari Thaat* and must use *Komal Gandhar*, *Komal Dhaivat*, and *Komal Nishad*. The first phrase, however, clearly demonstrates the use of all *Shuddha* versions of these notes. As the first raga in the pair is incorrect, the entire option is eliminated.

The incorrect option is 3:
This option proposes *Bihag* and *Bhairavi*. *Bihag* belongs to the *Kalyan Thaat*, which employs *Tivra Madhyam*, contradicting the notes implied in the first phrase. Furthermore, *Bihag* often involves skipping *Re* and *Dha* in the ascent, which does not match the smooth progression shown. *Bhairavi* is one of the most identifiable ragas, as it uses all four *Komal* swaras: *Komal Re, Komal Ga, Komal Dha*, and *Komal Ni*. Since the first given phrase uses only *Shuddha* (natural) notes, it fundamentally clashes with the very essence and defining characteristics of Raga *Bhairavi*.