Topic: Dipaka Raga

[Nichi]

Dipak Raga

[Nichi]

Raga Dipaka, one of the six principal ragas, the other five being Bhairava, Malkaus, Hindola, Megh-Malhar and Shri, is a musical mode which fire defines as it defines a ‘dipaka’ or lamp. As the flame of fire is the body of a ‘dipaka’ – lamp, fire is the body and inherent attribute of Raga Dipaka. Both ‘dipaka’ and Raga Dipaka justify their names only when they have fire emitting from their bodies – abstract as of the Raga Dipaka, or material as of the earthen lamp. Similarly, love is Raga Dipaka’s pivotal sentiment for love, in separation or in union, or on human plane or divine, is the fieriest of all sentiments. Besides, like love that burns the lover within, not anyone beyond, the fire that Raga Dipaka generates does not burn anyone apart the singer. Thus, as ‘dipaka’ might be seen as manifesting Raga Dipaka’s body, love, especially love in union, might be seen as manifesting the spirit of Raga Dipaka.

Raga Dipaka has more myths associated with it than has any other Raga, not even Bhairava that is believed to emanate direct from the throat of Lord Shiva. It is commonly believed that when the Raga Dipaka was sung even in its less potential form, lamps were automatically lit. Though a mere exaggeration, it is said that some kings during early days patronised talented singers who, besides entertaining them, used to sing Raga Dipaka every evening with which all lamps were simultaneously lit. Miyan Tansen’s myth is widely known and believed. As the tradition has it, once Akbar forced him to give a performance under the discipline of Dipaka Raga. Indeed a challenging job, Tansen descended into the waters of Yamuna and began singing. As soon as the notes began ascending, corresponding to the rise of pitch the waters of Yamuna began boiling. Unable to withstand the heat that the intensity of the Raga generated Tansen threw off his clothes and nude and semi-unconscious he whirled like an insect caught in a fire. A repentant Akbar saw all this but could not help it. Right then a young maiden, an accomplished musician otherwise, happened to come. She performed Raga Megh-Malhar which brought torrential rains, the heat was subdued and Tansen’s body was finally cooled.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.
http://www.exoticindiaart.com/product/paintings/raga-dipaka-deepaka-HF92/

[Nichi]

Folio from a ragamala series: Dipak Raga. Murshidabad, circa 1755. Opaque watercolour with gold on wasli. From the collection of Peter Blohm.

With Dipak(a), even if you don't see a flame seeming to emanate from the body, you will at least see lamps or candles lit. Fire will be in the picture.

[Nichi]

[Nichi]

Dipaka Raga, Page from a Ragamala Series, ca. 1690-1700. Artist Mohammed (son of Nur).

Best view (click and enlarge): http://cdn2.brooklynmuseum.org/images/opencollection/objects/size4/1991.77_IMLS_SL2.jpg

(Love the sky and the color palette in this one.)

[Nichi]

Bux, Allah (1895-1978). Deepak Raag. (Dipak Ragini)



http://vintageindianclothing.tumblr.com/post/148842644238/allah-bux-deepak-rag