Zeelaf

Zeelaf or Zilaf is a raga in Hindustani classical music. It is a pentatonic melody (i.e. containing only 5 svaras) is composed of the following svaras : Sa Ga Ma Pa Dha.^[1] It is performed very rarely. Zeelaf also employs the subtle GM -> S meend. It is from the Asavari Thaat.^[2] But it is played in the Bhairav aang also. Zeelaf has been used by Qawwals and Khayals.

Zeelaf

Thaat	Asavari
Type	A Audhav Jaati raga or a Pentatonic melody (containing 5 svaras) A very very rare raga
Time of day	06-09
Arohana	S g m P d S'
Avarohana	S' d P g P m g S
Pakad	S g m P d S' S' d P g P m g S
Chalan	S g m P d S' S' d P g P m g S

History

Amir Khusru, the father of Qawwali, is said to have created about twelve new melodies or ragas, among which is Zeelaf.^[3]