In the Heart of Madhmad Sarang

Madhmad Sarang is such a charming raga—an early afternoon melody that feels perfectly blended to soothe and uplift during bright, sunny hours. It’s an Audav raga, keeping things simple with just five notes. Gandhar (Ga) and Dhaivat (Dha) are left out in this one, while Komal Nishad (Ni) adds a lovely touch alongside the shuddha notes. The structure? Straightforward and graceful, without any complicated twists. A spotlight on Madhyama, intertwined with the Pa-Re and Ni-Pa phrases, is key—play them right, and the raga truly shines.

A Rendition

I’m sharing a recording of Vidushi Shalmalee Joshi, a disciple of Vidwan Ratnakar Pai. I feel truly fortunate to learn music from Prof. Milind Malshe, another scholarly disciple of Pai ji. I’ve had the privilege of learning the same bandishes from him.

For those who wish to explore the bandishes further, here’s my attempt to capture the lyrics along with my interpretation. Please note that there may be slight variations in the lyrics, as I’ve written them as they were taught to me. Given that Indian classical music is an ancient tradition passed down orally, such differences are common and perfectly acceptable, as long as the essence remains intact.

Mera Rangeela Banara (Vilambit Teentaal)

मेरा रंगीला बनरा बनी के घर आया|
सीस सोहे मोतियन सेहरा
हाथन कंगन रतन जडाया||

My interpretation for the same is:
My radiant, jovial, and spirited bridegroom has arrived at the bride's abode, a vision of splendor and celebration. Adorned with a shimmering sehra of pearls crowning his head and a bracelet encrusted with jewels gracing his hand, he embodies grandeur and joy.

This bandish, capturing the charm and festivity of a grand wedding, paints a lively picture of joy and celebration—a melody that resonates with love and togetherness.

Rang De Rangarejwa (Drut Teentaal)

रंग दे रंगरेजवा
जैसी मोरी पिया की पगरिया|
ऐसी रंग दे सुरंग चुनरिया
जैसी मोरी पिया की पगरिया ||

Here goes my interpretation:
The poetess, filled with longing and love, requests the dyer to color her dupatta as beautifully as her beloved’s pagadi. She yearns to be as vibrant, as radiant, as her beloved, their hues blending as one.

But beneath this worldly composition lies a deeper philosophy—a divine connection. The dyer represents God, the beloved is the soul, and the act of coloring becomes a metaphor for uniting the self with the eternal. She asks to be dyed in a shade so pure, so true, that she merges completely with her soul, becoming one in essence and spirit.

"Rang De Rangarejwa" is a popular paramparik bandish, and you’ll find many beautiful renditions of it on YouTube if you search for Madhmad Sarang. Each rendition brings its own unique flavor, offering a wonderful way to experience the depth and charm of this raga.

Do you know the word Sarang? It has so many delightful meanings—colorful, dyed, and even a graceful deer (in literature). Each one adds its own charm, whether in nature, music, or vibrant qualities. When you listen to the bandishes, you’ll see how perfectly the raga’s melody, its name, and the lyrics come together in a joyful harmony!

But why is it called Madhmad Sarang?
I often wonder why a raga is named the way it is—sometimes, the name holds the key to its essence and helps me connect with it better. So, why this name? "Madhmad," likely a distortion (apabhransha) of "Madhyamadi," comes from Madhyam-pradhan, meaning it revolves around the Madhyam (Ma) note. The Carnatic equivalent, Madhyamavati, might have evolved over time, leading to the name we know today.

Just like our literature, classical music has been passed down through oral tradition, carrying with it countless fascinating stories—some so rich and enchanting, they feel almost mythological! While singing requires practice and sadhana, understanding the tales behind the ragas adds a whole new layer of excitement and joy to the experience.

Madhmad Sarang truly enchants me, both as a listener and a learner. There’s a treasure trove of beautiful recordings available on YouTube. I encourage you to listen to them and share your thoughts—I’d love to hear how it resonates with you!