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Kuhu Kuhu Bole Koyaliya - Raag Maalika with Sohani at its center

My father M R Rao passed from a cardiac event on the morning of June 21st of 2025. In his honor, I thought I'd write about one of his favorite songs.

Sep 14

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July 2025

Bole re papihara and the magic of Raag Miya Malhaar

From India's monsoon-powered history to the music it inspires. This post goes deep into Raag Miya Malhar and the classic "Bole re Papihara". I share my…

Jul 18

5

May 2025

[Part 3] Raag Hamsadhwani - from the archives

Some more unforgettable compositions in Hamsadhwani by Ustad Amir Khan, Ramrang and others. Bonus content - live performance highlights for premium…

May 2

March 2025

Raag Hamsadhwani - part deux exploring romance as a theme

This one is very special. I get to nerd out with my inspiration over a music piece. An exclusive recording of a hamsadhwani bandish being taught to a…

Mar 27

Raag Hamsadhwani - from Vataapi to Hindustani classical music

Borrowed from the Carnatic school, this raag is now a mainstay in the Hindustani tradition. Its unique signature and melody make it unforgettable to the…

Mar 13

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February 2025

Raag Kaushik Dhwani a.k.a Nusrat Saab's crazy thaan at the end of Afreen Afreen

There are iconic songs and in rare cases, they even have sections that are iconic. This was my first introduction to Kaushik Dhwani, then came YouTube.

Feb 21

Raag Megh on a rainy day featuring Pt. Parameshwar Hegde

Sangeethaamsha hosted its first baithak of 2025 in Belmont, and we witnessed a je ne sais quoi in the truest sense.

Feb 11

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January 2025

Mast Qalandar: Lyrics, meaning and significance

13th-century Sufi poem attributed to Amir Khusrow and later modified by Baba Bulleh Shah, celebrates the unifying figure of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a…

Jan 31

2

Kun Faya Kun - meaning and the philosophy behind the lyrics

From its Quranic origins to A.R. Rahman's soul-stirring composition. Learn how this divine phrase meaning 'Be, and it becomes' transformed into a…

Jan 14

7

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Origin story of the Sarod, and its influence on Hindustani Classical music

Discover the Sarod: A fretless wonder that bridges Afghan and Indian classical music. From its fascinating origin story to its divine sound, learn why…

Jan 8

December 2024

Happy Holidays: A gift to all our subscribers for your continued support!

Holiday wishes with a free gift for all subscribers of Classicalweekly. Thank you for following this space and making time for music.

Dec 26, 2024

Understanding Raag Malkauns

Or Raag Malkos, this pentatonic scale and melody has haunted India for at least five centuries, including leaving a visual record of it. Perfect as it's…

Dec 13, 2024

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