arohan

Arohan, also spelled arohana, is the ascending melodic framework used in Indian classical music to describe how a raga moves upward through its notes. It is contrasted with avarohan, the descending framework. The term comes from Sanskrit and Hindi, literally meaning ascent.

In both Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian) traditions, a raga is typically defined by its arohan and avarohan. The arohan specifies the allowed ascending phrase from the base tone to the higher notes and may include characteristic zigzag patterns known as vakra arohan in some ragas. Some ragas permit certain notes only in ascent or descent, or use microtonal inflections called gamakas that influence how the arohan is performed.

Notation for arohan is expressed in syllables known as swaras: Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa, with variations such as tivra madhyam in certain ragas. The exact sequence and permissible notes give each raga its distinctive mood and melodic personality. Performers use the arohan as a guide during improvisation and composition, shaping melodic ascent, phrase length, and emphasis.

In Carnatic music, the concept is similarly termed arohana and is paired with avarohana to define a raga's melodic path, though the specifics differ according to its system of swaras and gamakas.

See also: Avarohana, Raga, Swara, Indian classical music, Vakra.