Kashmiri Songs and the Influence of Ragas
Unlike the rigid structure of classical Indian music, Kashmiri folk and Sufi music takes a more intuitive and fluid approach. Yet, many traditional songs naturally align with classical ragas, offering emotional depth and melodic richness.
Kashmir’s own classical music, Sufiana Kalam, is traditionally performed using instruments like the santoor, sehtar, dokra, and tabla. It is based on maqam system (similar to ragas), and includes its own unique ragas called maqams. These maqams, though related to Indian ragas in spirit, are closer to Persian and Central Asian musical structures.
Some popular Kashmiri songs and the classical ragas they resemble:
| Song | Likely Raga | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rind Posh Maal | Yaman | A wedding favorite, bright and graceful. |
| Bumbro Bumbro | Pahadi | Reflects the mountain spirit with a light, lilting melody. |
| Bedard Daadi Chaane, Soor Ho Sabdaan | Darbari Kanada | Deeply emotional Sufi folk song with slow, expressive movement. |
| Roshe Wala Myani Dilbaro | Kafi | Evokes longing with earthy, expressive tone. |
| Harmukh Bartal | Bhairavi | A devotional Shiv bhajan steeped in tradition. |
The most common Ragas in Kashmiri Folk Songs are
Yaman (most frequently associated with Kashmiri folk)
Pahadi
Bhairavi
Kafi
These ragas (or their folk adaptations) are widely used in wanwun (wedding songs), rouf (dance songs), chakkri, and noha (mourning songs), blending classical elements with regional style.
Here is a comprehensive guide on ragas and Hindi songs and ghazals that are based on these ragas.
