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Ahiri
ArohanamS R₁ M₁ G₃ M₁ P D₁ N₂ Ṡ
AvarohanamS R₁ S G₃ M₁ P D₁ N₂ Ṡ
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Ahiri (pronounced āhiri) is a rāgam in Carnatic music. It is a janya rāgam (derived scale), and associated with the 14th melakarta scale Vakulabharanam.[1][2] It has also been associated with the 8th melakarta scale Hanumatodi.[1][2] Though it has all the seven swaras (musical notes) in the ascending and descending scale, the presence of zig-zag notes (vakra swaras) makes it a janya rāgam.

Ahiri is an ancient rāgam mentioned in Sangita Makarandha and Sangita samayasara.[2] It is a difficult rāgam to master, but it is rewarding. The rāgam is synonymous with karuna rasa (compassion).[1][2] It is considered an early-morning scale.[2]

Structure and Lakshana

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Ahiri is an asymmetric rāgam which has vakra swaras (zig-zag notes) in the ascending scale. It is a sampurna rāgam (containing all 7 notes).[1][2] Several ārohaṇa-avarohaṇa structures (ascending and descending scale) are assigned due to the usage of foreign notes (bhashanga prayogas):

  • ārohaṇa : S R₁ M₁ G₃ M₁ P D₁ N₂ Ṡ[a] (also S R₁ S G₃ M₁ P D₁ N₂ Ṡ[b])
  • avarohaṇa : Ṡ N₂ D₁ P M₁ G₃ R₁ S[c]

The notes used in this scale are shadjam, shuddha rishabham, antara gandharam, shuddha madhyamam, panchamam, shuddha dhaivatam and kaisiki nishadham in the scale. For the details of the notations and terms, see swaras in Carnatic music.

Since there is additional usage of external (foreign) notes, in comparison to its parent scale, it is considered a bhashanga rāgam.[1][2] Notes Ri, Ga, Dha and Ni which are different from the parent scale are used in this scale and is considered to have lot of subtle srutis.

[edit]

There are many compositions set to Ahiri rāgam. Here are some popular kritis composed in this rāgam.

  • Challare Ramachandrunipai (Sompaina Manasutho), Etula Kaapaaduvo, Adaya Sri Raghuvara, Poola Paanpu composed by Tyagaraja
  • Viksheham Kada by Narayana Teertha
  • Mayamma Anine by Syama Sastri
  • Sri Kamalaambaa Jayathi and Kusumaakara Vimaanarudaam by Muthuswamy Dikshitar
  • Panimathi Mukhi Bale(a Malayalam Padam), Parama Purusha Nanu and Pannagendra Shaya by Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma
  • Virahampu Vedaaya, Entha Mohamo and Ennallu Nedanundeno by Annamacharya
  • Oorilen by Subhashini Parthasarathy
  • Ethinay Nallamma by Balakrishnan
  • Ninne Kori-Ata Tala Varnam by Tharangambadi Panchanada Iyer
  • Dheenarakshaka by Tanjore Quartet
  • Kathitha Samayepi(Ashtapadi) by Jayadeva
  • Mosamaye(Padam), Enthatathella(Padam) and E Riti Vegintune(Padam) by Kshetrayya
  • Samayamide Annai by Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar
  • Anbagavanthu, Nadithedi, Adhirunkazhal and Aankudal are Thiruppugazhs by Arunagirinathar
  • Arindene Unnai by Arasi(Rajee Krishnan)
  • Paingottu Malar by Thirugnanasambandar
  • Aavi Nee Amudham Neeye by Kannadasan
  • Abhayamo is a song of unknown composer
  • Adhiviravil En Munne by H H Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

Film Songs

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Language:Tamil and Malayalam

[edit]
Song Movie Composer Singer
Inbame Undhan Per Idhayakkani M. S. Viswanathan T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
Oru Murai Vanthu, Pazham thamil pattizhayum Manichitrathazhu M. G. Radhakrishnan K. J. Yesudas, K. S. Chithra, Sujatha Mohan(Reprise)
Ezhumalayanin Magimai Ezhumalayaan Magimai Illayaraja S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Kattu Kuyil Paatu Chinna Mapillai Mano, Swarnalatha
Kannurangu Ponmayile Idhu Namma Aalu K. Bhagyaraj K. J. Yesudas
Kadhalenum Thervezhudhi Kadhalar Dhinam A. R. Rahman S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Swarnalatha
Kaattu Sirukki Raavanan Shankar Mahadevan, Anuradha Sriram

A popular Hindi film song in Ahiri Ragam is - Ay Chand Teri Chandni Ki Kasam from the movie Tera Jadoo Chal Gaya, composed by Ismail Darbar and sung by Sonu Nigam & Alka Yagnik

Popular Malayalam film songs in Ahiri Ragam are Pazhanthamil from the movie Manichitrathazhu, and chempakappoonkattile from rathinirvedam

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ahiri

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Ahiri is a janya in , derived from the 14th melakarta Vakulabharanam. Its scale features a distinctive repetition of the tonic note Sa in the ascent, with the ārohaṇa structured as S R₁ S G₃ P D₁ N₂ S and the avarohaṇa as S N₂ D₁ P G₃ R₁ S. This sampurna , employing the swaras Sa, Ri1 (Suddha Rishabham), Ga3 (Antara Gandharam), (Suddha Madhyamam), Pa, Dha1 (Suddha Dhaivatam), and Ni2 (Kaisiki Nishadam), is an ancient scale mentioned in early Carnatic treatises such as the . Ahiri appears in several prominent compositions by the Carnatic trinity, highlighting its melodic potential in devotional and expressive contexts. Tyagaraja's Pūla pānpu (pūla pānpu mīda bāga), set in Adi tala, serves as a lullaby-like piece in the Utsava Sampradaya Kritis. Syama Sastri's Māyammā yāninē, in Adi tala, is a poignant plea to the divine mother, emphasizing themes of protection and grace. Muthuswami Dikshitar's Śrī Kamalāmbā jayati, part of the Kamalamba Navavarna cycle and rendered in Rupaka tala, invokes the Kamalamba through vivid poetry and intricate sangati variations. These kritis demonstrate Ahiri's vakra prayogas and its suitability for evoking subtle emotional depth within concise renditions.

Musical Structure

Arohana and Avarohana

In , the refers to the ascending sequence of notes that outlines the melodic structure of a , while the avarohana denotes the descending sequence. For the janya Ahiri, derived from the 14th Vakulabharanam, these patterns incorporate specific swaras to evoke its characteristic and devotion. The of Ahiri is vakra, meaning it features a non-linear or zigzag progression rather than a strict stepwise ascent, which adds expressiveness to the melody. It is notated in swara notation as: Sa Ri1 Sa Ga3 Ma1 Pa Dha1 Ni2 Sa'. This variation, with the return to Sa after Ri1 before proceeding to Ga3, distinguishes it from the linear of its parent . While the vakra is standard, some sources and compositions use a linear ascent: S R₁ G₃ M₁ P D₁ N₂ S'. The avarohana follows a more direct descent but still adheres to the raga's set, notated as: Sa' Ni2 Dha1 Pa Ma1 Ga3 Ri1 Sa. This pattern emphasizes the smooth flow from higher to lower registers, providing a balanced to the vakra ascent. These and avarohana patterns serve as the foundational framework for improvisations in Ahiri, guiding the performer in maintaining the raga's identity through precise sequences.

Scale and Characteristic Notes

Ahiri is a janya raga in featuring all seven swaras in both its ascending and descending scales, rendering it sampurna, though its vakra (zig-zag) structure imparts a distinctive melodic path. The proceeds as S R1 S G3 M1 P D1 N2 S', incorporating a repeated shadja after rishabha to emphasize the transition to , while the avarohana follows S' N2 D1 P M1 G3 R1 S, highlighting a direct descent from nishada to dhaivata and panchama. This configuration derives from the 14th raga, Vakulabharanam. The characteristic notes of Ahiri center on the antara gandhara (G3), which often adopts a pratyantara antara position and serves as a key identifier, lending emotional depth through its prominence in sancharas. The kaisiki nishada (N2), rendered with subtle kampita (oscillation), contributes a plaintive quality that defines the raga's pathos-laden essence. Additionally, the shuddha dhaivata (D1) is central to the raga's structure. These swaras, when emphasized in arohana patterns, underscore Ahiri's unique flavor without altering its core heptatonic framework.

Gamakas and Phrasing

In , the raga Ahiri derives much of its expressive depth from intricate gamakas, which are essential oscillations and embellishments that infuse the notes with emotional nuance, particularly or karuna rasa. Key gamakas include kampita, a shaking or oscillating motion, prominently applied to the antaragandhara (G3) and kaisikanishada (N2), where the notes waver subtly to evoke a sense of longing. Additionally, jaru gamakas—smooth slides—frequently connect the suddharishabha (R1) and pratimadhyama (M1), creating fluid transitions that enhance the raga's melancholic flow. The panchama (P) often receives nokku, a delicate glancing approach or subtle deflection, adding a poignant, quality to phrases centered on this note. Phrasing in Ahiri emphasizes vakra (zig-zag) structures, which prevent linear ascents and descents, fostering a non-monotonic contour that mirrors the raga's inherent subtlety and avoids straightforward scalar movement. Typical prayogas in the ascent might feature patterns like M1 G3 M1 R1 S, where the on G3 and slide from R1 underscore emotional restraint. In descent, sequences such as N2 D1 M1 G3 R1 S highlight the kampita on N2 and nokku on , building a layered through deliberate pauses and returns to lower registers. These phrasing patterns, rooted in the raga's asymmetric , demand precise control to maintain its rakti (melodic appeal). As an early morning raga, Ahiri is ideally rendered during prātaḥ kāla (dawn), where slow tempos—such as vilamba kalam—allow performers to linger on gamakas and vakra prayogas, amplifying the subtleties that distinguish it from more straightforward audava-shadava ragas. This temporal association enhances its capacity to convey devotion and quiet , with the vakra phrasing ensuring that each oscillation and slide contributes to a cohesive, evocative narrative rather than mere note progression.

Theoretical Aspects

Parent Melakarta Raga

Ahiri is a janya raga derived from the 14th raga, Vakulabharanam. This parent scale follows a sampurna-sampurna structure, incorporating all seven swaras in both its ascending () and descending (avarohaṇa) forms. The of Vakulabharanam is S R₁ G₃ M₁ P D₁ N₂ S', providing a linear ascent without any vakra (zig-zag) phrases, which forms the foundational note set for Ahiri, though the janya raga employs a vakra structure in its while retaining the same swaras. The system, from which Vakulabharanam originates, was systematized by the 17th-century musicologist Venkatamakhin in his treatise Chaturdandi Prakasika. This framework organizes the 72 ragas into based on combinations of variants, with Vakulabharanam positioned as the second raga in the third , . Venkatamakhin's classification emphasized sampurna scales like Vakulabharanam to serve as (parent) ragas for deriving janya scales, ensuring a structured in theory.

Janya Classification and Properties

Ahiri is a janya raga derived from the 14th raga, Vakulabharanam, in the tradition. It follows a sampurna structure in both and avarohana, utilizing all seven swaras: shadja, suddha rishabha, antara , shuddha madhyama, panchama, shuddha dhaivata, and kaisiki nishada. As a bhashanga raga, Ahiri incorporates anya swaras (foreign notes) in its rendering for nuanced phrasing and emotional depth, despite sharing the core swaras with its parent scale Vakulabharanam. The raga primarily evokes the karuna rasa, or , through its somber, introspective contours that convey lament and devotion. The vadi, or dominant note, is panchama (P), lending stability and emphasis to the raga's central phrases, while the samvadi is shuddha rishabha (R1), creating harmonic consonance that reinforces its melancholic essence. Ahiri's lakshana guna, or defining characteristics, emphasize vakra sancharas (zigzag movements) in the ascent, particularly avoiding direct linear progression to heighten its expressive restraint and stability, as evidenced in traditional treatises like the Sangita Sampradaya Pradarshini, where it is positioned under the mela but retains its core properties in modern interpretations.

Comparisons with Similar Ragas

Ahiri exhibits notable similarities with the Hindustani raga Ahir Bhairav, which originates as a blend of the Bhairav raga and the ancient Carnatic raga Ahiri, incorporating shared melodic elements but introducing a komal rishabha that is absent in the purely Carnatic rendition of Ahiri. This distinction underscores Ahiri's adherence to Carnatic conventions without the flattened rishabha, allowing for a more introspective and less intense expression of pathos. In contrast, , a janya raga of the mela (22nd ), differs from Ahiri through its use of chatusruti rishabha (R2), sadharana (G2), chatusruti dhaivata (D2), and kaisiki nishada (N2), and its linear arohana without vakra phrases, resulting in a brighter, more vivacious tone compared to Ahiri's subdued, vakra-inflected structure. Historical texts, such as the 16th-century Svaramela Kalanidhi, initially classified both under the Ahari mela, but later works like Sangita Sampradaya Pradarshini highlight Abheri's characteristic descending phrases, such as pa-sa and sa-ni-pa, which lend it a distinct melodic contour absent in Ahiri. Ahiri also shares core notes like madhyama, panchama, and daivata with the Hindustani , contributing to overlapping phrases in cross-traditional explorations, yet Ahiri's vakra ascent and gamakas on the antar (G3) provide a unique Carnatic identity that differentiates it from Asavari's straightforward, komal-inflected approach. In fusion music contexts, Ahiri is occasionally misidentified with or regional variants like those in Tamil folk traditions, leading to blended interpretations that obscure its original Carnatic purity.

Compositions

Traditional Carnatic Kritis

One of the most renowned traditional Carnatic kritis in Ahiri is "Mayamma" composed by Shyama Shastri in Adi tala. This Telugu composition is a devotional plea to Goddess Meenakshi, expressing the composer's longing for divine grace and questioning her apparent silence in response to his worship. The pallavi sets the tone with the lines "Mayamma yani ne pilacite matladarada nato amba," translating to "O Mother, if I call you as my mother, why do you not speak to me, O beloved?" The anupallavi elaborates on the exclusivity of devotion, emphasizing that no other direction exists apart from the Goddess's compassionate gaze, while the charanam extols her attributes as the lotus-eyed one worshipped by gods, the remover of sins, and the granter of protection. Melodically, the kriti highlights the raga's characteristic G3-N2 phrases, particularly in the ascending and descending movements that evoke pathos and intimacy in the goddess worship theme. Muthuswami Dikshitar's "Sri Kamalamba Jayati" in Rupaka tala stands as a significant kriti dedicated to Goddess Kamalamba, forming the ninth in his Navavarna series on the deity of Tiruvarur. The composition celebrates her as the embodiment of beauty and cosmic power, with the pallavi proclaiming "Sri Kamalamba jayati amba jagadamba," meaning "Victory to Kamalamba, the mother of the universe, cluster of love's essence." The anupallavi invokes her as Mahatripurasundari, adorned with divine ornaments and worshipped by celestial beings, while the charanam praises her as the supreme consciousness, revered by , , and , and the bestower of liberation. Lyrically, it weaves tantric and vedic references, underscoring themes of divine feminine energy and surrender. The melodic structure employs Ahiri's vakra phrases around G3 and N2 to convey serenity and reverence, with sahityas in the charanam reinforcing the raga's contemplative depth. Among Tyagaraja's contributions, "Adaya Sri Raghuvara" in Adi tala exemplifies the raga's use in Rama-centric devotion, composed in Telugu as a heartfelt for . The pallavi pleads, "Adaya Sri Raghuvara nedela radaya dayambudhi," or "O merciful ocean, king of the Raghus, why do you not show kindness today?" The anupallavi reflects on the Lord's teachings of true devotion and , while the charanam recalls Rama's virtues as the protector of the devoted and destroyer of evil, urging him to recognize the sincerity of the singer's . This kriti captures Ahiri's through lingering oscillations on G3 and N2, enhancing the emotional plea for divine mercy. Primarily in Telugu, these kritis collectively emphasize devotional themes of , grace, and longing, structured around pallavi-anupallavi-charanam formats with integrated swara sahityas that highlight the raga's melodic nuances.

Varnams and Other Forms

Varnams in Ahiri serve as essential pedagogical tools in , emphasizing the raga's vakra (zigzag) structure through intricate patterns that highlight its arohana-avarohana while incorporating subtle gamakas. A prominent example is the tana varnam "Ninne Kori yunnadirā" composed by Tarangampadi Panchanada Iyer in Ata tāḷa, which focuses on rhythmic elaboration with minimal lyrical content beyond the pallavi, anupallavi, and charaṇa to train vocal precision and phrasing. This varnam's sequences, such as those oscillating between the characteristic notes rī, gā, and dha, build proficiency in navigating Ahiri's serpentine prayogas without overt elaboration. Padams in Ahiri, though less common than in more vivacious ragas, exemplify the raga's pathos-laden expression, often portraying themes of longing and separation to enhance interpretive skills. The celebrated padam "Panimati mukhi bāle" by Swati Tirunal, set in Miśra Cāpu tāḷa, employs lyrical depth in to evoke viraha rasa, with its charaṇa delving into emotional pleas that underscore Ahiri's karuṇa mood through elongated ni and pa oscillations. Another notable padam, "Mosamaye" by Kshetrayya, similarly utilizes the raga's subtle inflections for dramatic delivery, aiding learners in mastering expressive when adapted for dance forms like . These forms, including the aforementioned varnam's swara-centric design, play a crucial role in Carnatic by reinforcing Ahiri's vakra phrasing and gamaka applications, enabling students to internalize the raga's elusive contour before advancing to improvisational pieces. Tillanas and javalis in Ahiri remain rare, with no widely documented examples, reflecting the raga's preference for introspective rather than rhythmic or light-hearted structures.

Performers and Repertoire

Notable Exponents

Shyama Shastri, a pivotal figure among the trinity, composed the kriti Mayamma in raga Ahiri, establishing a foundational rendition that captures the raga's inherent pathos and devotional depth. This composition, set in Adi tala, invokes the goddess Meenakshi and exemplifies Shyama Shastri's signature style of intricate gamaka-laden phrasing, influencing subsequent interpretations of the raga. In the modern era, vocalists like have elevated Ahiri through emotive deliveries that accentuate its gamakas, particularly in renditions of Shyama Shastri's Mayamma, bringing out the raga's karuna rasa with profound expressiveness. Her interpretations emphasize the raga's subtle oscillations, making it accessible and resonant for wider audiences while preserving its traditional essence. Instrumentalists have also contributed significantly to Ahiri's ; veena players, including Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh, highlight the N2 oscillations in Ahiri through detailed alapana and kriti renditions like Mayamma, leveraging the instrument's resonant to underscore the raga's melancholic sway. The influence of Ahiri extends through the Shyama Shastri tradition, where disciples and later generations, such as those in the lineages of D.K. Jayaraman and , have perpetuated his compositions, ensuring the raga's gamakas and phrasing remain central to pedagogical and performative practices.

Concert and Recording Highlights

Sanjay Subrahmanyan has prominently featured Ahiri in his live performances and recordings, including an extended alapana leading into "Deenarakshaka," a composition by Ponnayya Pillai of the Tanjore Quartet, during a in 2024. His interpretation highlights the raga's subtle gamakas and evokes a sense of devotion, accompanied by violinist Embar Kannan and artist Neyveli B. Venkatesh. In studio and live albums, Subrahmanyan delivers "Mayamma," a Shyama Shastri kriti, showcasing Ahiri's melancholic in the December Season 2002 release and the live Gems of concert from 2010, both available through major labels like archives. These renditions demonstrate the raga's versatility in both traditional and slightly improvisational contexts, though full ragam-tanam-pallavi explorations remain uncommon. Other notable performers include , known for his emotive explorations of Ahiri in concerts, and , whose recordings emphasize the raga's devotional depth. As of 2025, Ahiri continues to feature in Margazhi season recitals, with recent highlights including renditions of Tyagaraja's Pūla pānpu by emerging artists. Ahiri's recordings are accessible via Saregama's digital archives, preserving 20th-century performances and ensuring the raga's subtle nuances reach contemporary audiences.

Film Music Adaptations

Songs in Tamil Cinema

Ahiri, with its melancholic tone derived from the Vakulabharanam , has seen limited but notable adaptations in , often evoking emotional depth through its unique vakra (S R₁ S G₃ M₁ P D₁ N₂ S) and emphasis on G₃ and N₂. Due to historical classification overlaps and phonetic similarities, Ahiri is sometimes confused with (a janya of ), leading to misattributions in film music discussions. Examples include M. S. Viswanathan's "Inbame Undhan Per" from (1974), sung by and , which utilizes Ahiri's subtle gamakas for romantic pathos. Another is Ilaiyaraaja's "Kattu Kuyil Paatu" from Chinna Mapillai (1993), featuring Mano and , blending the raga's classical phrasing with light orchestral elements to convey longing. A. R. Rahman's "Kaattu Sirukki" from Raavanan (2010), rendered by and , incorporates Ahiri's descending phrases in a folk-infused style, highlighting its versatility in modern soundtracks. These adaptations preserve Ahiri's core swaras while simplifying vakra elements for cinematic flow, bridging classical roots with popular appeal.

Songs in Malayalam Cinema

The Ahiri, known for its melancholic and pathos-laden character due to the prominent use of the kaisiki nishada (N2), has been effectively integrated into film music to evoke deep emotional resonance, particularly in songs depicting longing and sorrow. Composers have often adapted its gamakas and phrasing to suit cinematic narratives, blending classical Carnatic elements with subtle folk influences for broader appeal, while preserving the raga's core structure of S R1 G3 M1 P D1 N2 S'. This adaptation allows for fluid transitions in film sequences, where the raga's subtle oscillations enhance dramatic tension without overwhelming the storyline. A seminal example from the is "Pazham Thamizh Paattu" from the film (1993), composed by with lyrics by , and rendered by , whose classical training infuses the track with intricate gamaka renditions that highlight Ahiri's emotional depth. The song's structure adheres closely to the raga's ascendant and descendant scales, using N2 to underscore themes of possession and , making it a standout in for its seamless fusion of raga purity and filmic drama. Similarly, "Oru Murai Vandhu Paarayo" from the same film, sung by , employs Ahiri's melancholic tones to portray ethereal longing, with altered phrasing to align with the film's supernatural elements, demonstrating how composers tweak gamakas for narrative flow. In the , utilized Ahiri's N2 for poignant effect in "Aazhikkange Karayundo" from Padayottam (), sung by , where the 's somber swaras amplify the song's tragic undertones, integrating light folk rhythms to evoke regional sensibilities while maintaining classical integrity. Moving to the , M. Jayachandran's "Chembakappoo Kattile" from the remake Rathinirvedam (), voiced by with lyrics by Murugan Kattakkada, adapts Ahiri by softening its gamakas for a more contemporary, introspective mood, blending the raga with subtle orchestral elements to highlight youthful emotional turmoil. These tracks, particularly Yesudas' renditions, exemplify Ahiri's role in conveying profound in Malayalam films from the to 2010s, often contrasting with lighter regional styles through their restrained, evocative depth.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Origins and Evolution

The raga Ahiri traces its documented origins to medieval Carnatic music treatises, where it appears alongside the related raga Abheri in the 16th-century text Svaramela Kalanidhi by Ramamatya, classified under the Ahari mela with scale notes resembling the present-day Keeravani. By the 17th to 18th centuries, both Ahiri and Abheri were reclassified in the Bhairavi mela (equivalent to modern Natabhairavi) in Raga Lakshanamu, a treatise attributed to Thanjavur Maharaja Sahaji, reflecting early shifts in melodic structure and mela assignments based on contemporaneous gita manuscripts from the Sarasvati Mahal Library. These pre-20th-century variants suggest possible links to ancient forms like Abhiri, noted in earlier works such as Sangita Makarandha, indicating a gradual evolution from broader melodic frameworks in South Indian musicology. Ahiri likely solidified in its recognizable form within the Carnatic tradition by the , closely tied to the compositions of Shyama Shastri (1762–1827), one of the , who penned seminal kritis like "Māyammā yāninē" around 1800, emphasizing the raga's poignant karuna rasa through its audava-audava scale with vakra ārohaṇa: S R₁ S G₃ M₁ P D₁ N₂ S' and avarohaṇa: S' N₂ D₁ P M₁ G₃ R₁ S. This period marked the raga's emergence from devotional temple contexts, where it featured in swarajatis and kritis performed in South Indian shrines, to more formalized expressions influenced by the —Shyama Shastri, , and —who expanded its structural depth and emotional range in their works. In the systematized 72- scheme outlined in Venkatamukhi's 17th-century Chaturdandi Prakasika, Ahiri became associated with the 14th melakarta Vakulabharanam in modern Carnatic musicology. By the early , Ahiri's evolution reflected broader changes in Carnatic performance practices, transitioning from exclusive temple and settings to sabha concerts in urban centers like Madras, as documented in Subbarama Dikshitar's Sangita Sampradaya Pradarshini (1904), which retains the raga's earlier placement in the mela but includes illustrative gitams and kritis to preserve its . This text, a cornerstone of musicological scholarship, facilitated its integration into concert repertoires while maintaining melodic purity amid evolving oral traditions. The raga's subtle gamakas and nyasa on madhyama, as exemplified in Trinity-era pieces, ensured its enduring role in bridging devotional origins with secular stage presentations.

Role in Carnatic Music Tradition

Ahiri raga holds a prominent place in the tradition as an embodiment of (devotion) and karuna (compassion) rasas, evoking deep emotional and spiritual responses through its melancholic yet tender melodic structure. This evocative quality makes it particularly suited for expressing themes of surrender and divine longing, as seen in compositions by the Trinity composers—, , and —who utilized Ahiri to infuse their kritis with profound devotional sentiment. In cultural contexts, Ahiri features prominently in festivals such as Tyagaraja Aradhanas, where Tyagaraja's kritis like "Pulapampumida baga" in Ahiri are performed during processions and rituals, enhancing the celebratory yet reverential atmosphere. Pedagogically, Ahiri serves as a standard example in the guru-shishya parampara for teaching vakra ragas, which involve zigzag or non-linear note progressions, helping students master gamaka-laden phrasing and bhava. Its structure, as a janya raga with occasional anya swaras and emphasis on slow-tempo (vilamba kala) renditions, allows learners to explore intricate swara patterns and emotional depth, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical improvisation. Through this , Ahiri reinforces the disciplined transmission of Carnatic music's core principles, fostering nuanced interpretation among disciples. The raga's influence extends to other performing arts, notably , where it underscores sequences depicting pathos and devotion, integrating Carnatic vocal or with expressive movements. In contemporary settings, Ahiri maintains relevance through its inclusion in the syllabi of prestigious institutions like , where it is taught in advanced courses to cultivate raga proficiency and manodharma skills among students. This ongoing integration ensures Ahiri's enduring symbolic significance in preserving and evolving the Carnatic tradition.

References

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  7. https://musicacademymadras.in/catalogue/files/journals/Vol.73_2002.pdf
  8. http://carnatica.in/special/ahiri-nilambari.htm
  9. https://musicacademymadras.in/catalogue/files/jindex/74-76_2003-2005-97-105.pdf
  10. https://www.tosound.com/sound/sound-e2w4Mz7d/translate-false
  11. https://ia902806.us.archive.org/11/items/RagasOfCarnaticMusicByNSRamachandran/RagasOfCarnaticMusicByRamachandran_text.pdf
  12. http://music-raagaa.blogspot.com/2012/02/vakulabharanam-14th-melakarta-ragam.html
  13. https://www.karnatik.com/ragasa.shtml
  14. https://www.eviolinguru.com/raga.html
  15. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/the-use-of-tala-and-raga-in-different-performance-styles/article69144347.ece
  16. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/classification-of-carnatic-ragas-abheri-and-ahari-a-historical-perspective/article69025521.ece
  17. https://swarajyamag.com/culture/ahir-bhairav-pandit-hariprasad-chaurasiya-and-ustad-zakir-hussain-performing-it-to-perfection
  18. https://www.shivkumar.org/music/mayamma-ahiri.htm
  19. http://thyagaraja-vaibhavam.blogspot.com/2008/12/thyagaraja-kriti-adaya-sri-ragahuvara.html
  20. https://www.karnatik.com/varnams.shtml
  21. https://nasa2000.livejournal.com/64855.html
  22. https://sureshs65music.blogspot.com/2013/07/ahiri-raga-that-defines-karunyam.html
  23. https://sreenivasaraos.com/2020/07/16/sri-shyama-shastry-1763-1827-part-six/
  24. http://syamakrishnavaibhavam.blogspot.com/2011/03/syama-sastry-kriti-mayammayani-ahiri.html
  25. https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/on-how-syama-sastri-worshipped-the-goddess-through-his-songs/article19768569.ece
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSdoIeX7drY
  27. https://shankarkrish.blog/shyama-sastry-compositions/
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2aYWMP_cBQ
  29. https://music.apple.com/us/album/december-season-2002-sanjay-subrahmanyan/1847412513
  30. https://music.apple.com/us/album/gems-of-carnatic-music-sanjay-subrahmanyan-live-in/1210377709
  31. https://www.saregama.com/classical/carnatic_19/raaga/aahiri_8477/songs
  32. http://saidvk.blogspot.com/2013/01/selected-ragam-ahiri.html
  33. https://en.msidb.org/songs.php?tag=Search&raga=Aahiri
  34. https://www.facebook.com/tulasismusic/videos/an-iconic-song-in-raga-ahiri-from-the-epic-movie-manichithrathazhu-orumuraithis-/1385757592004563/
  35. http://ragawisesongs.blogspot.com/2011/12/ahiri.html
  36. http://www.medieval.org/music/world/carnatic/shyama.html
  37. https://furtadosschoolofmusic.com/blog/understanding-carnatic-music-origins-elements-and-evolution/
  38. http://www.ibiblio.org/guruguha/ssp.htm
  39. https://cutn.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Contribution_of_Trinity-E-Book_29072020.pdf
  40. https://indianraga.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/IndianRaga-Certification-Carnatic-Vocals-and-Instrumental-Syllabus.pdf
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