Purvi
A dusk raga with komal Re and Dha, both forms of Ma and a melodic centre on Ga.
Reading the swaras
Sa is the reference pitch. The shuddha notes are S R G M P D N; r g d n denote komal Re, Ga, Dha and Ni. M^ denotes tivra Ma. An arrow after a note places it in the upper (↑) or lower (↓) octave. Without an arrow, the note belongs to the middle octave.
Overview
Purvi is a serious evening raga in which the melody repeatedly finds its way to Ga. Komal Re and Dha frame the brighter sound of tivra Ma. Shuddha Ma adds a contrasting shade in the descent, particularly when the line turns around Ga. Both forms of Ma belong to the raga, but they do not have identical roles: tivra Ma carries the main upward movement, while shuddha Ma gives the lower returning phrases their distinctive bend.
Notes and identity
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Thaat | Purvi |
| Jati | Sampurna–Sampurna, with turning phrases in descent |
| Swaras used | S r G M M^ P d N; Re and Dha are komal, both forms of Ma are used, and Ga and Ni are shuddha. |
| Vadi | Ga (G) |
| Samvadi | Ni (N) |
| Aroha | S r G M^ P d N S↑ |
| Avaroha | S↑ N d P, M^ G M G r S |
| Time | Dusk, last prahar of the day |
| Rasa / bhava | Serious, contemplative |
Grammar & signature
Hear the two forms of Ma in relation to Ga. The turn M^ G M G r S lets shuddha Ma appear within the descending line instead of treating the two Mas as consecutive steps in an eight-note scale. Ga is a place to settle. Pa also gives support as the music comes down from Ni and komal Dha. The approach N↓ S r G introduces the lower movement clearly.
Pakad / chalan (illustrative)
N↓ S r GM^ G M G r SM^ d P, N d P
The return to Ga and the change of Ma give these movements their shape.
Phrase examples
- Opening:
N↓ S r G, r G M^ P. - Upper movement:
M^ d N S↑, S↑ N d P. - Descending turn:
P M^ G M G r S. - Keep Dha komal. Use shuddha Ma within its returning phrase, not as a replacement for every tivra Ma.
Allied ragas & differentiation
- Puriya Dhanashree shares the main note material but does not use Purvi’s shuddha Ma. Its phrases give greater weight to Pa; Purvi draws the line back towards Ga.
- Marwa uses shuddha Dha and omits Pa. Purvi has komal Dha, includes Pa and brings shuddha Ma into its lower turns.
Related music
Read about Khayal, Vadi, Samvadi and Jati.