Variants of Raga Dhanashri
Raga Dhanashriis known from olden times and it had different names such as, Dhanyashri,
Dhannasi or Dhannasika. Raga Bhimpalas which is very close to it has gained popularity.
Traditionally, Raga Dhanashriis placed under KafiThata (Melakarta No. 22 kharaharapriya),
however, references to the Raga belonging to PoorviThata (Melakarta No. 51 Kamavardhini)
are also noted.
Please find below six variants of this Raga documented along with their brief introduction-
1)DhanahriKafiThata or Bhimpalasanga- Aroha- Avaroha-‘n SgMPnS’’/ S’’ nDPMgRS; Vadi
P- Samvadi S; SangatiPg; PgRS is frequently used. [{ PhrasesMgRS; ‘n—SM—and Halt
on M are avoided to keep the Raga distinct from Raga Bhimpalasi}];
2) Dhanashri(Bhairavianga) or KomalDhanashri- ‘n SgMPnS’’/ S’’ nd- MP- gMgrS;
3) DhanashriPatdeepanga- or Patdeep- ‘NsgMPNS’’/ S’’ NDPMgRS;
4) DhanashriBilavalanga or Shubh or ShuddhaDhanashri- SGMPDNS’’/ S’’ NDPMGRS; Important
Phrases- MP- MGM-GRSM- NDPM;
5) DhanashriAsavarianga- S, gMP, nS’’/ S’’ n (d) PMgRS--- Only subtle use of KomalDhaivat
–d- is made to give a hint of Asavarianga;
6) DhanashriBhimanga or Dhanashri with Shuddha G and Komal n---Aroha- Avaroha—‘nSGm,
PnS’’/ S’’ nDP, MGRS or GMRS. (References: RagaNidhi- Prof. B.
Subba Rao; BhatkhandeKramikPustakmalika Vol. 6; Bhatkhande Sangeet Shastra Vol.
4 and ManikbuwaThakurdas Raga Darshana Vol. 1)
Audio samples of all the 6 Ragas are available on the web site.