Bilaskhani Todi

A deeply moving Todi variant attributed to Tansen's son Bilas Khan, with komal Dha replacing shuddh Dha.

Thaat: Todi
Jati: Sampurna - Sampurna
Vadi: Dha
Samvadi: Ga
Time: Late Morning
Moods: Meditative, Melancholic, Serious

Overview

Raag Bilaskhani Todi is a profoundly sorrowful variant of Todi, traditionally attributed to Bilas Khan, son of Tansen, who is said to have spontaneously created it while mourning his father's death. It differs from Miyan ki Todi by using komal Dha instead of shuddh Dha, which intensifies the raag's emotional gravity and melancholic character.

This summary is designed as a learner-facing orientation. Interpretive details can vary by source and performance lineage.

Aaroh

Sa Re(k) Ga(k) Ma(t) Pa Dha(k) Ni Sa

Avroh

Sa Ni Dha(k) Pa Ma(t) Ga(k) Re(k) Sa

Pakad / Chalan

Ga(k) Ma(t) Dha(k) Pa, Ma(t) Ga(k) Re(k) Sa

Swaras and note treatment

Uses komal Re, komal Ga, tivra Ma, and komal Dha. The komal Dha distinguishes it from Miyan ki Todi.

Performance notes

The traditional story of its creation during mourning gives Bilaskhani Todi an inseparable association with grief and deep emotion. The komal Dha adds a distinctive shading absent in the standard Todi.

Representative listening

These embeds are included as listening leads. Curated performance choices should be reviewed editorially over time.

Search: Bilaskhani Todi Hindustani Classical

Curated YouTube search

Search for classical performances of Bilaskhani Todi.

Bollywood listening bridge

Bollywood song to raag mappings can vary by source and interpretation.

Bilaskhani Todi (classical reference)

Classical repertoire

Singer: Various artists. Composer: Traditional. Bilaskhani Todi is primarily known through classical repertoire. Its sorrowful quality is deeply valued in concert settings.

Listen on YouTube