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.
| Thaat | Notes (Swaras) | Major/Prominent Raags |
| Bilawal | S R G m P D N (All Shuddh) | Alhaiya Bilawal, Devgiri Bilawal, Deshkar |
| Kalyan | S R G M P D N (Tivra Ma) | Yaman, Shuddh Kalyan, Hamir, Hindol |
| Khamaj | S R G m P D n (Komal Ni) | Khamaj, Jhinjhoti, Des, Tilang, Jaijaiwanti |
| Kafi | S 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.
| Thaat | Notes (Swaras) | Major/Prominent Raags |
| Bhairav | S r G m P d N | Bhairav, Ahir Bhairav, Kalingda, Ramkali |
| Purvi | S r G M P d N (Tivra Ma) | Purvi, Puriya Dhanashree, Shri, Basant |
| Todi | S r g M P d N (Komal Ga, Tivra Ma) | Mian ki Todi, Gurjari Todi, Multani |
| Bhairavi | S 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.
| Thaat | Notes (Swaras) | Major/Prominent Raags |
| Asavari | S 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.
| Thaat | Notes (Swaras) | Major/Prominent Raags |
| Marwa | S 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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