Raga Classification (General) MCQs Quiz | Class 10

Understanding Raga Classification in Carnatic Music

Raga is the melodic foundation of Carnatic music, a specific arrangement of notes and their characteristic phrases that evoke a particular mood or emotion. The classification of ragas is a fundamental aspect of Carnatic theory, enabling musicians and learners to organize, understand, and create within this rich tradition.

Key Principles of Raga Classification

The system of raga classification is primarily based on the melodic structure and the relationship between parent and derived scales.

1. Melakartha System: The Parent Ragas

The most comprehensive system for classifying ragas is the Melakartha system, attributed to Govindacharya. It establishes 72 parent scales (Melakartha ragas), from which all other ragas are derived. Each Melakartha raga is a Sampoorna raga, meaning it contains all seven swaras (notes) in both its ascending (Arohanam) and descending (Avarohanam) scales.

• Swaras (Notes): The seven basic notes are Shadjam (Sa), Rishabham (Ri), Gandharam (Ga), Madhyamam (Ma), Panchamam (Pa), Dhaivatham (Dha), and Nishadham (Ni).
• Varjya Swaras: Some ragas omit certain notes in their ascent or descent.
• Vakra Swaras: Notes that appear in a zig-zag or non-linear fashion in the Arohanam or Avarohanam.

2. Janya Ragas: Derived Scales

Janya ragas are those derived from Melakartha ragas. They constitute the vast majority of ragas in Carnatic music. Janya ragas differ from their parent Melakartha ragas in various ways:

• Omission of Notes (Varjya): A Janya raga may omit one or more notes in its Arohanam, Avarohanam, or both. This leads to classifications like:
  • Audava Raga: Five notes (e.g., Mohanam)
  • Shadava Raga: Six notes (e.g., Sriranjani)
  • Sampoorna Raga: Seven notes (but derived from a Melakartha with a different Arohanam/Avarohanam or specific nuances, e.g., Khamas).
• Zig-zag Movement (Vakra): Notes may not ascend or descend in a linear fashion.
• Usage of Foreign Notes (Bhashanga): Most Janya ragas are ‘Upanga’ (meaning all notes are from the parent scale). However, some Janya ragas, known as ‘Bhashanga’ ragas, use one or more notes (anya swaras) that are not part of their parent Melakartha raga. This makes them distinctive and adds to their melodic charm. Examples include Bhairavi and Khamas.

3. Other Classification Methods

While the Melakartha-Janya system is paramount, ragas are also sometimes classified based on their aesthetic qualities or performance characteristics:

• Ghana Ragas: Ragas suitable for extensive elaboration, Tanam (rhythmic improvisation), and intricate melodic development. (e.g., Shankarabharanam, Kalyani, Thodi)
• Naya Ragas: Ragas that are beautiful and lyrical, often suitable for lighter compositions and evoking gentle moods. (e.g., Sahana, Yadukulakambhoji)
• Desya Ragas: Ragas with a folk or regional flavor, sometimes exhibiting influences from Hindustani music. (e.g., Behag, Kapi)

Quick Revision Points

• A Raga is a melodic framework defining notes and characteristic phrases.
• The Melakartha system defines 72 parent scales.
• Melakartha ragas are Sampoorna (7 notes ascending and descending).
• Janya ragas are derived from Melakartha ragas.
• Janya ragas can be Audava (5 notes), Shadava (6 notes), or Sampoorna (7 notes, but with variations from parent).
• Bhashanga ragas use ‘anya swaras’ (foreign notes) not found in their parent Melakartha.
• Arohanam: Ascending scale; Avarohanam: Descending scale.
• Vakra raga: Non-linear movement of notes in Arohanam/Avarohanam.
• Graha Swaram: Starting note of a phrase or raga.
• Nyasa Swaram: Resting note or ending note of a phrase.

Practice Questions

1. What is the primary difference between a Melakartha Raga and a Janya Raga?
2. Explain the term ‘Bhashanga Raga’ with an example.
3. What is the significance of the 72 Melakartha ragas in Carnatic music theory?
4. Define Arohanam and Avarohanam. How can they differ between a parent raga and its Janya raga?
5. List three aesthetic classifications of ragas and describe one characteristic of each.