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Monsoon Ragas of Indian Music: When Rain Meets Raga

The Indian monsoon is not just a season—it is a mood, a rhythm, a memory. The scent of wet earth, the dramatic skies, and the first drops of rain have, for centuries, inspired poets, painters, and musicians alike. Among the richest artistic responses to the rains is found in Indian classical music, where specific ragas have been composed to capture the spirit of the monsoon. These monsoon ragas, or varsha ragas, embody the longing, joy, romance, and sometimes the melancholy that the rains bring.

The Essence of Raga and Season

In Indian classical music, a raga is not just a scale or a tune—it is a sonic framework designed to evoke a particular mood (rasa). Traditionally, ragas are associated with specific times of day or seasons, and the monsoon season, in particular, has a vibrant set of ragas that reflect the emotional richness of the rains.

This seasonal association isn’t just symbolic. The tonal nuances of these ragas often reflect nature’s elements: the patter of raindrops, the swaying of trees, the echo of thunder, or the yearning felt when separated from a beloved during a stormy night.
Iconic Monsoon Ragas

1. Raga Megh
One of the most iconic rain ragas, Megh (literally meaning “cloud”), is ancient and profound. With its deep, resonant notes, it invokes the imagery of dark monsoon clouds. The raga uses a pentatonic scale, typically omitting rishabh and dhaivat, giving it a distinctive, mysterious quality. Traditionally performed at night, it evokes feelings of calmness and contemplation.
A variation called Megh Malhar combines the depth of Megh with the liveliness of Malhar, creating a beautiful blend that captures both the gravity and the energy of rain.
2. Raga Miyan ki Malhar
Perhaps the most celebrated monsoon raga is Miyan ki Malhar, attributed to the legendary Mughal court musician Miyan Tansen. Legend has it that Tansen could summon rain with this raga. Whether folklore or fact, the raga’s power is undeniable. With a majestic structure and flowing phrases, it expresses the drama and intensity of monsoon storms. It is traditionally rendered with a full-throated, emotive approach, often invoking divine energies.
3. Raga Gaud Malhar
A softer, more romantic cousin of Miyan ki Malhar, Gaud Malhar is lighter and more playful. It suggests not the thunderous storm, but rather the gentle drizzle, the flirtatious winds, the rustling of leaves. Often sung during the early stages of the rainy season, it captures a different shade of joy—quiet and tender.
4. Raga Desh
Though not strictly a monsoon raga, Raga Desh is often associated with the rains because of its emotional appeal and its frequent use in monsoon-themed compositions. It conveys a sense of yearning, nostalgia, and romance—emotions commonly stirred during the rainy season. Its sweeping melodic curves resemble the graceful dance of peacocks in the rain.
Monsoon in the World of Thumri and Folk Music
While classical ragas structure the monsoon’s essence in elaborate compositions, the semi-classical and folk traditions bring in a more immediate emotional connection. Thumris, especially those in ragas like Desh, Khamaj, and Kafi, are replete with rain imagery—Radha waiting for Krishna as clouds gather, or a lover’s lament during separation. Folk traditions across Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra also burst into vibrant melodies during the rains, often celebrating harvests, fertility, and love.
The Rain as Muse
What makes the monsoon ragas timeless is their ability to transcend time and context. Even today, when performed during the rainy months, these ragas create a heightened emotional experience. Whether rendered in a temple, a concert hall, or a digital platform, the music forms a deep connection with listeners—one that feels both ancient and immediate.
In an age where nature and culture are often experienced separately, the monsoon ragas remind us of a time when music rose directly from the rhythms of the earth. The drops falling on leaves, the rustling of wet soil, the darkening skies—all find their voice in these ragas.
So the next time the clouds gather and the rains begin, take a moment to listen. Maybe it’s not just thunder—but Miyan ki Malhar echoing in the sky.