| Arohanam | S G₁ R₁ G₁ M₂ P D₁ N₃ Ṡ |
|---|---|
| Avarohanam | Ṡ N₃ D₁ P M₂ G₁ R₁ S |
| Carnatic music |
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 Tanjavur-style tambura |
| Concepts |
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Varali orVaraali (pronounced varāḷi) is arāgam inCarnatic music (musical scale of South Indian classical music). It is classified either as the 39th mela kartha raga or as ajanya rāgam (derived scale) of the 39thmelakarta scaleJhalavarali. Even though it is a mela kartha, the scale is most often rendered with avakra scale (zig-zag notes) in the ascending scale.[1]
It is avivadi rāgam. It is the 4th in the list of 5Ghana rāgams (Natta,Gaula,Arabhi andShree being the others).[2] In olden times, this rāgam was calledVarati,[2] and is said to be more than 1300 years old.[3] It is with this name that it is referred in old musical texts likeSangita Makarandha andSangita Ratnakara.[3]
Varali is an asymmetric rāgam due to thevakra prayoga in ascending scale. It is avakra-sampurna-sampurna rāgam (sampurna meaning containing all 7 notes).[1][2] Itsārohaṇa-avarohaṇa structure (ascending and descending scale) is as follows:
The notes used in this scale areshadjam, shuddha rishabham, shuddha gandharam, prati madhyamam, panchamam, shuddha dhaivatam andkakali nishadham. Themadhyamam used is said to be slightly higher than theprati madhyamam, and is also called aschyuta panchama madhyamam (also referred asVarali madhyamam).[3] For the details of the notations and terms, seeswaras in Carnatic music. Some also believe that it can be sung as S R1 G1, and this phrase also appears in many compositions, Kanakanaruchira being one of the most popular.
It is believed that Varali, when taught directly by a teacher to a student, will strain their relationship or could cause ill effects to one or the other.[2] The ragam is said to be learnt by listening and self-learning.
There are many compositions set toVarali rāgam. Many compositions in praise of LordGanesha are set to this raga.[2] Here are some popularkritis composed in this ragam.
