Kafi

काफ़ी

Swara Notation

S R g m P D n S' | S' n D P m g R S

Thaat: Kafi night Sampoorna-Sampoorna
Vadi: Pancham (P)
Samvadi: Shadaj (S)
Kafi from Kafi thaat, the representative raga producing the most versatile melodies.

Quick Facts

Thaat (Scale)
Kafi
Time of Day
Night
Jati (Notes)
Sampoorna-sampoorna
Vadi (King Note)
Pancham (P)
Samvadi (Queen Note)
Shadaj (S)

Origins & Context

Kafi is the representative of the Kafi thaat, which produces the most versatile ragas in Hindustani music. Even though it is noted in writing that the raga is in the sixth prahar, the style of this raga is very free.

It is a straight-chained raga. Sometimes, artists will insert shuddha ga, komal dha, and shuddha ni for embellishment. It is okay, but use those notes very sparingly. Overdoing those notes will make listeners think this is a different raga known as Pilu, which uses those notes frequently.

Technical Details

Melodic structure and movement patterns

Aroha (Ascent)

S R g m P D n S'

Avroh (Descent)

S' n D P m g R S

Pakad (Catch Phrase)

S R R g m P

Recordings & Performances

Listen to master musicians perform this raga

Upcoming recordings and performances will be featured here. Check back soon!