Key Characteristics of a Sankirna Raga

 In Hindustani classical music, a Sankirna Raga (also spelled Sankeerna or Sankirṇa; often overlapping with the term Misra Raga) refers to a highly complex melodic form created by the blending of elements from two or more distinct ragas. The resulting raga functions as an independent melodic entity, while still retaining clearly perceptible shades (chhaya) of its source ragas through characteristic phrases (sancharas), note usage, or melodic movements.

Unlike simple chhayalag (shadow-blended) ragas, Sankirna ragas involve a deeper and more intricate integration of multiple melodic identities, sometimes including foreign (anya) swaras or distinctive phrases borrowed from different ragas.

Key Characteristics of a Sankirna Raga

• Multiple Sources:
  A Sankirna raga typically draws material from more than two ragas, making it more complex than standard chhayalag ragas.
• Mixture of Notes and Phrases:
  It incorporates characteristic swaras, vakra movements, and sancharas from several parent ragas, creating a dense and layered melodic texture.
• Pronounced Chhaya (Shade):
  The melodic “color” of the contributing ragas remains clearly audible, yet is woven together into a coherent framework rather than presented as abrupt shifts.
• Flexible Treatment of Vadi–Samvadi:
  The vadi (primary) and samvadi (secondary) swaras may reflect influences from different source ragas, or be redefined to suit the composite melodic identity.
• Classical Theoretical Origin:
  Sankirna ragas belong to an older classificatory system of ragas—Shuddha, Chhayalag, and Sankirna—which categorizes them based on purity, blending, and complexity rather than on modern thaat theory.

Examples and Context

Clear-cut modern examples are rare, as many Sankirna ragas exist more as theoretical or stylistic categories than fixed repertory ragas. However, certain ragas—such as Chandrakauns, or some elaborate forms within Malhar or Sarang traditions—can exhibit Sankirna tendencies by integrating features from multiple melodic sources while maintaining a distinct identity.

Summary

In essence, a Sankirna Raga is a sophisticated composite raga—a deeply blended melodic tapestry in which elements from several parent ragas are intricately interwoven to form a unified and expressive melodic framework. It highlights the flexibility, depth, and creative scope of Hindustani classical music.

Key Examples of Sankeerna Ragas:

• Ahir Bhairav: A blend of Kafi and Bhairav Thatas, featuring notes from both.
• Jayant Malhar: Combines Jijaivanti and Malhar characteristics.
• Bilaskhani Todi: A deep, intricate raga blending Todi, Komal Asawari, and Bhairavi.