Introduction to Thaat System

 The Thaat system, formalized by Pandit Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande, is the foundational framework of Hindustani Classical Music. A Thaat is a scale of seven notes (Saptak) that acts as a parent for various Raags.

Here is the classification of the 10 Thaats based on their groupings:


Group 1: With Shuddh Re (R) and Shuddh Dha (D)

These Thaats form the brighter, more consonant scales of Hindustani music.

ThaatNotes (Swaras)Major/Prominent Raags
BilawalS R G m P D N (All Shuddh)Alhaiya Bilawal, Devgiri Bilawal, Deshkar
KalyanS R G M P D N (Tivra Ma)Yaman, Shuddh Kalyan, Hamir, Hindol
KhamajS R G m P D n (Komal Ni)Khamaj, Jhinjhoti, Des, Tilang, Jaijaiwanti
KafiS R g m P D n (Komal Ga, Ni)Kafi, Bhimpalasi, Bageshree, Pilu, Bahar

Group 2: With Komal Re (r) and Komal Dha (d)

These Thaats often carry a more serious, meditative, or deeply emotional character.

ThaatNotes (Swaras)Major/Prominent Raags
BhairavS r G m P d NBhairav, Ahir Bhairav, Kalingda, Ramkali
PurviS r G M P d N (Tivra Ma)Purvi, Puriya Dhanashree, Shri, Basant
TodiS r g M P d N (Komal Ga, Tivra Ma)Mian ki Todi, Gurjari Todi, Multani
BhairaviS r g m P d n (All Komal)Bhairavi, Bilaskhani Todi, Malkauns

Group 3: With Shuddh Re (R) and Komal Dha (d)

This group focuses on the transition toward minor scales.

ThaatNotes (Swaras)Major/Prominent Raags
AsavariS R g m P d n (Komal Ga, Dha, Ni)Asavari, Jaunpuri, Darbari Kanada, Adana

Group 4: With Komal Re (r) and Shuddh Dha (D)

This specific combination creates a very unique, dissonant, yet beautiful atmosphere, often associated with the sunset.

ThaatNotes (Swaras)Major/Prominent Raags
MarwaS r G M P D N (Tivra Ma)Marwa, Puriya, Sohini

Key Notational Guide:

  • Uppercase (S, R, G, M, P, D, N): Shuddh (Natural) notes.

  • Lowercase (r, g, d, n): Komal (Flat) notes.

  • Bold M: Tivra (Sharp) Madhyam.

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