Janya raga · child of melakarta 28, Harikambhoji
Balahamsa
बालहंस
Balahamsa is a janya (child) raga born from Harikambhoji, the 28th melakarta. It is audava (pentatonic) in ascent, classified audava-shadava. It carries a mood of Hasya: mirth; light motes rise and scatter.
Balahamsaबालहंस
A young swan; plain-spoken and buoyant.
Drops G3 from Harikambhoji.
Arohanam and avarohanam
Balahamsa climbs and falls along these paths:
| Arohanam (up) | S R2 M1 P D2 S' |
|---|---|
| Avarohanam (down) | S' N2 D2 P M1 R2 S |
| Notes | 5 ascending, 6 descending (audava-shadava) |
| Hindustani sargam | S R m P D n |
A young swan; plain-spoken and buoyant.
The notes of Balahamsa, as Western intervals
| Swara | Interval above Sa |
|---|---|
| S | unison (1) |
| R2 | major second (M2) |
| M1 | perfect fourth (P4) |
| P | perfect fifth (P5) |
| D2 | major sixth (M6) |
| N2 | minor seventh (m7) |
See how every swara becomes an interval in melakarta and Western music.
Songs to learn in Balahamsa
Balahamsa is explored most in alapana and improvisation. Sing its arohanam and avarohanam slowly over a tanpura to feel its path, and open it in the parent raga’s guide.
The parent: Harikambhoji
Balahamsa keeps the tuning of its parent Harikambhoji but walks its own road. To see the full seven-note scale it is drawn from, its chords and its other children, read the Harikambhoji guide, or learn how janya ragas work in general.
Questions about Balahamsa
What is the Balahamsa raga?
Balahamsa is a janya (derived) raga of the 28th melakarta, Harikambhoji. Its arohanam is S R2 M1 P D2 S' and its avarohanam is S' N2 D2 P M1 R2 S.
What are the arohanam and avarohanam of Balahamsa?
Arohanam (ascending): S R2 M1 P D2 S'. Avarohanam (descending): S' N2 D2 P M1 R2 S.