avarohana

Avarohana is the descending scale or melodic descent of a raga in Indian classical music. It serves as the counterpart to arohana, which describes the ascending ascent. The term, of Sanskrit origin, denotes the sequence of notes used when moving from higher to lower pitches within a raga, and it, along with the arohana, defines the melodic framework for improvisation and composition. Avarohana specifies which notes are typically employed during descent, where phrases tend to occur, and which ornamentations are customary. The descending path may be a straight, linear glide or may involve vakra (zigzag) patterns that depart from a simple reversal of the ascent.

In performance, performers use avarohana to shape phrases, cadence, and mood as they descend through the scale. Some ragas feature a symmetrical arohana-avarohana, where the descent mirrors the ascent; others use restricted or omitted notes in the descent, or include characteristic cadences and turning points that are essential to the raga’s identity. Ornamentation such as meend (glides) and gamakas in various styles contribute to the flavor of avarohana.

In both Hindustani and Carnatic music, the avarohana is an essential component of a raga’s grammar, documented in compositions, treatises, and pedagogy. It interacts with the arohana to create the raga’s distinctive emotional color and serves as a key reference for vocalists and instrumentalists in improvisation.