Raga Kirwani was borrowed into Hindustani music from the South Indian Carnatic tradition, where it is known as Keeravani. It is usually performed in the evening or at night and has a poignant, tender and introspective mood.
Its scale has flat Ga and flat Dha with natural Re, Ma, Pa and Ni (S R g M P d N S), similar to the Western harmonic minor scale. That makes Kirwani instantly recognisable and especially moving on bowed and sliding instruments.
On Aimrec, Kirwani is heard in Shakir Khan’s complete sitar performance on The Lyrical Sitar, on santoor, on slide guitar and as a dhun on Introduction to Indian Music, Vol. 2.
Aimrec recordings of Raga Kirwani
- The Lyrical SitarShakir Khan, Enayet Hossain · 2024Raga: Kirwani (Alap, Jor & Jhala) · Raga: Kirwani (Gat in Jhaptal) · Raga: Kirwani (Gat in Teental)
- Introduction to Indian Music Vol. 2Ustad Vilayat Khan, Ustad Zakir Hussain, others · 2019Dhun in Kirwani
- Shades of SantoorPandit Tarun Bhattacharya, Enayet Hossain · 2010Raga Kirwani (live) - Accompanied by Saleiman Azizi on tabla
