Janya raga · child of melakarta 20, Natabhairavi
Hindolam
हिन्दोलम्
Hindolam is a janya (child) raga born from Natabhairavi, the 20th melakarta. It is audava (pentatonic) in ascent, classified audava-audava, and known in Hindustani music as Malkauns. It carries a mood of Shanta: stillness; the air barely moves.
Hindolamहिन्दोलम्
A swing between shadows; no Ri, no Pa.
Drops R2 and P from Natabhairavi. Hindustani cousin: Malkauns.
Arohanam and avarohanam
Hindolam climbs and falls along these paths:
| Arohanam (up) | S G2 M1 D1 N2 S' |
|---|---|
| Avarohanam (down) | S' N2 D1 M1 G2 S |
| Notes | 5 ascending, 5 descending (audava-audava) |
| Hindustani sargam | S g m d n |
A swing between shadows; no Ri, no Pa.
The notes of Hindolam, as Western intervals
| Swara | Interval above Sa |
|---|---|
| S | unison (1) |
| G2 | minor third (m3) |
| M1 | perfect fourth (P4) |
| D1 | minor sixth (m6) |
| N2 | minor seventh (m7) |
See how every swara becomes an interval in melakarta and Western music.
Songs to learn in Hindolam
- Samajavaragamana — Tyagaraja
- Neerajakshi Kamakshi — Muthuswami Dikshitar
- Manasuloni Marmamu — Tyagaraja
The parent: Natabhairavi
Hindolam keeps the tuning of its parent Natabhairavi but walks its own road. To see the full seven-note scale it is drawn from, its chords and its other children, read the Natabhairavi guide, or learn how janya ragas work in general.
Questions about Hindolam
What is the Hindolam raga?
Hindolam is a janya (derived) raga of the 20th melakarta, Natabhairavi. Its arohanam is S G2 M1 D1 N2 S' and its avarohanam is S' N2 D1 M1 G2 S.
What are the arohanam and avarohanam of Hindolam?
Arohanam (ascending): S G2 M1 D1 N2 S'. Avarohanam (descending): S' N2 D1 M1 G2 S.
What are famous songs in Hindolam?
Well-known compositions include Samajavaragamana (Tyagaraja), Neerajakshi Kamakshi (Muthuswami Dikshitar), Manasuloni Marmamu (Tyagaraja).
What is Hindolam in Western or Hindustani music?
Its Hindustani counterpart is Malkauns.