Khamaj (hindustani raag)

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Khamaj is an offspring of the ancient raga Kamboja, which was described by Matanga ( 800 AD) and was also the name of a region in the North. Later authors refer to it as Kambhoji, Kambodi or Kamodi. According to Meshakarna (1570), Kamodi is as as the goddess of love. Another poet observes cryptically that this raga "not only turns flower red with passion, but also makes the antelopes musty." Khamaj is still a popular and sensual raga, which is performed mainly in thumri and other genres, including hori-dhamar.

Ga and Ni are the most prominent notes, and Re is weak and usually omitted in ascent. Natural Ni is used in ascent as a leading-tone to the tonic, and flat Ni in descent. As can be clearly heard on the recording, a typical feature of this raga is that many phrases lead directly to high Sa; the descending glide P D M G is highly characteristic well, and often preceded by N D P.

The related raga Khambavati is said to have originated in the port of Kambavati (or Cambay) in Gujarat. It is commonly portrayed as a lady worshipping the four-headed Brahma by performing an ancient fire ritual.

Time: Late night, 12 - 3.