Janya raga · child of melakarta 28, Harikambhoji · vakra
Khamas
खमास्
Khamas is a janya (child) raga born from Harikambhoji, the 28th melakarta. It is shadava (six notes) in ascent, classified shadava-sampurna. It carries a mood of Shringara: beauty and longing; the air breathes.
Khamasखमास्
The javali raga; playful, sensual, at home in light classical.
Keeps all seven notes of Harikambhoji; only the path differs.
Arohanam and avarohanam
Khamas climbs and falls along these paths:
| Arohanam (up) | S M1 G3 M1 P D2 N2 S' |
|---|---|
| Avarohanam (down) | S' N2 D2 P M1 G3 R2 S |
| Notes | 6 ascending, 7 descending (shadava-sampurna) |
| Hindustani sargam | S R G m P D n |
The javali raga; playful, sensual, at home in light classical.
The notes of Khamas, as Western intervals
| Swara | Interval above Sa |
|---|---|
| S | unison (1) |
| R2 | major second (M2) |
| G3 | major third (M3) |
| 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 Khamas
Khamas 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
Khamas 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 Khamas
What is the Khamas raga?
Khamas is a janya (derived) raga of the 28th melakarta, Harikambhoji. Its arohanam is S M1 G3 M1 P D2 N2 S' and its avarohanam is S' N2 D2 P M1 G3 R2 S.
What are the arohanam and avarohanam of Khamas?
Arohanam (ascending): S M1 G3 M1 P D2 N2 S'. Avarohanam (descending): S' N2 D2 P M1 G3 R2 S.