Zeelaf Explained

Zeelaf
Thaat:	Asavari
Type:	A Audhav Jaati raga or a Pentatonic melody (containing 5 svaras) A very very rare raga
Time:	06-09
Arohana:	S g m P d S'
Avarohana:	S' d P g P m g S
Pakad:	S g m P d S' S' d P g P m g S
Chalan:	S g m P d S' S' d P g P m g S

Zeelaf or Zilaf is a raga in Hindustani classical music. It is a pentatonic melody (i.e. containing only 5 svaras) is composed of the following svaras : Sa Ga Ma Pa Dha.^[1] It is performed very rarely. Zeelaf also employs the subtle GM -> S meend. It is from the Asavari Thaat.^[2] But it is played in the Bhairav aang also. Zeelaf has been used by Qawwals and Khayals.

History

Amir Khusru, the father of Qawwali, is said to have created about twelve new melodies or ragas, among which is Zeelaf.^[3]

External links

• Blog on ragas

Notes and References

1. Web site: Bhairavi (Part 1/2).
2. Web site: Bhairavi (Part 1/2).
3. Web site: Muslims' Contribution To The Growth Of Music In India Indian Muslims Blog . indianmuslims.in . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080601083947/http://indianmuslims.in/muslims-contribution-to-the-growth-of-music-in-india/ . 2008-06-01.