Shankra

Raag Shankra is a majestic and powerful Raag belonging to the Bilawal Thhat. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and its structure reflects the energy and grandeur of the cosmic dance. Characterized by its bright and forceful nature, Shankra is primarily an 'Uttarang Pradhan' Raag, meaning it flourishes in the upper tetrachord and higher octave. The note Madhyam (Ma) is strictly forbidden (Varjit), and Rishabh (Re) is omitted in the ascent (Aaroh) and used very sparingly in the descent (Avroh). The characteristic movements often involve a leap from Gandhar (G) to Pancham (P) and a distinct 'N D S' pattern in the ascent. It is known for its heroic (Veer) and serious (Gambhir) temperament, making it a popular choice for 'Dhrupad' and 'Khayal' compositions performed during the late hours of the night.