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{{Short description|Melodic framework used in Carnatic music}}
{{Carnatic}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2020}}
'''Carnatic raga''' refers to ''[[raga]]s'' used in [[Carnatic music]]. A Carnatic raga has several components - primordial sound (''nāda''), tonal system (''[[swara]]''), pitch (''[[śruti]]''), [[Musical scale|scale]], ornaments (''[[gamakam|gamaka]]'') and important tones.

==Origins and history==
===Carnatic raga classification===
====Janaka ragas (Melakarta ragas) and Janya ragas(Upanga ragas)====
{{main|Melakarta}}
Janaka ragas or Sampoorna ragas are parent ragas from which more ragas are derived. Sampoorna ragas as the name suggest are those in which all 7 swaras are present. They are also called Melakarta ragas. These ragas have all 7 [[swara]]s or [notes] in their scales (only one of each swara, Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni), following strict ascending and descending scales and are sung in all octaves. Example of melakartha ragas are : Shankarabharanam, Kalyani, Natabhairavi, Chala Nattai, Harikambhoji, Kharaharapriya, Mayamalavagowla, Chakravakam etc.
Janya ragas are ragas that are derived from Janaka ragas (Melakarta ragas). They may have less than 7 notes in their scales, or have additional notes in them, zig-zag (vakra) notes that step up and down, asymmetrical scales, etc. Janya raga is also called as Upanga raga. Example of Upanga ragas are : Malahari, Mohanam, Begada, Shriragam, Hamsadhvani, Vasanta, Janaranjani, Hindolam, Todi etc.

=====72 Melakartha ragas (Mathematical computation)=====
There are different types of swara sthayis or note pitches that leads to the total number of melakartha ragas. These different variations of swaras leads to more than one combination of musical scale. The different variations in swaras is mentioned below. Using this it is possible to mathematically ascertain the total number of melakartha ragas. 
Sa (Shadja) - only one. 
Ri (Rishabha) - ''Shuddha, Chathushruthi and Shatshruti'' Rishabha in increasing order of pitch. 
Ga (Gandhara) - ''Shuddha, Sadharana, Antara'' Gandhara in increasing order of pitch. 
Ma (Madhyama) - ''Shuddha, Prathi'' Madhyama in increasing order of pitch. 
Pa(Panchama)- only one. 
Dha (Daivata) -''Shuddha, Chatushruti, Shatshruti'' Daivata in increasing order of pitch. 
Ni (Nishada)- ''Shuddha, Kaishiki, Kakali'' Nishadham in increasing order of pitch. 
However, there are only some combinations that are allowed as for instance Shatshruthi Ri can combine with Antara Gandhara and Chathushruti Rishabha can combine with Sadharana and Antara Gandhara only. Likewise the same principle holds good for Da and Ni. If we label these swaras as Sa, Ra, Ri, Ru, Ga, Gi, Gu, Ma, Mi, Pa, Dha, Dhi, Dhu, Na, Ni, Nu. 
The total combinations are: 
a) 1 Sa X 1 Ra X 3(Ga, Gi, Gu) Ga + 1 Sa X Ru X 2 Ga (Gu, Gi) + 1 Sa X Ri X Gu = 6. 
b) Ma, Mi =2 
c) 1 Pa X Dha X 3 Ni (Na, Ni, Nu)+ 1 Pa X Dhu X 2 Ni (Nu, Ni)+ 1 Pa X Dhi X Ni =6 
Multiplying these 3 combinations we get 72.

The 72 melakartha ragas are arranged in a cycle called katapayadi sutra which is named so because by the index of the raga we can get the name of the raga and the exact swara combination. The first 36 melakartha ragas have suddha madhyama whereas, the next 36 ragas have prathi madhyama.

The 72 combinations of melakartha ragas gives rise to a huge variety of musical flavours. Any sampurna raga is present in this 72 melakartha cycle. From these 72 melakartha ragas, there are more than a thousand janya ragas that contain more beautiful musical notations. While getting to know the details of a raga, it is important to know which sampurna raga the janya raga is derived from in order to know the swara types.
<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.karnatik.com/melas.shtml|title = Royal Carpet: Introduction to Carnatic Raga}}</ref>

====Janya ragas====
{{main|Janya}}
Janya ragas are ragas that are derived from Janaka ragas (Melakarta ragas). They may have less than 7 notes in their scales, or have additional notes in them, zig-zag (vakra) notes that step and down, asymmetrical scales, etc. [[List of Janya Ragas|See full list of Janya ragas]]. E.g. of janya ragas are bilahari and hamsadhwani (derived from shankarabharana), sriranjani and darbar (derived from kharaharapriya) and so on.

====Vakra ragas====
Vakra ragas are janya ragas that have swaras arranged in a zig zag manner. For e.g. Raga Sri has the following arohanam and avarohanam :
S R M P N S. S. N P M R G R S. Such a raga is called vakra raga.

====Auḍava rāgas====
Auḍava rāgas are janya ragas that have exactly five notes in ascending and descending scale (arohana and avarohana). Examples are : 
1)Mohanam (S R G P D S. S. D P G R S) 
2)Hamsadhwani (S R G P N S. S. N P G R S)

====Shadava Ragas====
Shadava rāgas are janya ragas that have exactly six notes in ascending and descending scale

==Components of Carnatic raga==
A Carnatic raga has several components - primordial sound (''nāda''), tonal system (''[[swara]]''), intervals (''[[shruti (music)|shruti]]''), [[Musical scale|scale]], ornaments (''gamaka'') and important tones ([[vadi (music)|vadi]] and [[samvadi]]).

===Nāda===
An aim of composer-performers of the past and present is to realise [[Nada yoga|nāda]], however, the sound that is audible to human ears is only a fraction of primordial sound.<ref>[[#Arnold2000|Kassebaum (2000)]], p91</ref>

===Swara===
The Carnatic tonal system consists of seven basic pitches, expressed by the solfa syllables: Sa (''shadja''), Ri (''rishabha''), Ga (''gandhara''), Ma (''madhyama''), Pa (''panchama''), Da (''dhaivata'') and Ni (''nishadha'').

===Scale===
A Carnatic raga consists of an ascending and descending scale pattern (known as ''aarohana'' and ''avarohana'' respectively). Both ascent and descent should have at least five tones, although rarer ragas contain fewer tones. Scales establish rules for all performers to adhere to in melodic performance, and provide a tonal boundary. Typical scale features also act to help listeners identify ragas.<ref name="Kassebaum 2000 p93">[[#Arnold2000|Kassebaum (2000)]], p93</ref>

===Gamaka===
''Gamaka'', or ornamentation, is essential in Carnatic raga performance. Gamaka encompasses controlled shaking, articulating, sliding, glottal stops and other vocal or instrumental manipulation.<ref name="Kassebaum 2000 p93"/>

The swara and scale defines only the skeletal structure of a raga. The handling of ''Gamaka'' actually defines the raga.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

==Raga in improvisation==
[[File:Ms subbulakshmi.jpg|thumb|right|x216px|[[Bharat Ratna]] M. S. Subbulakshmi, renowned vocalist of Carnatic classical music]]

===Types===
Improvisation in ''raga'' is the soul of [[Indian classical music]]<ref name="Mann1912">{{cite journal | last = MacCarthy |first = M.| title = Some Indian Conceptions of Music| journal = Proceedings of the Musical Association|volume = 38th Sess | pages = 41–65 |year = 1912 | doi=10.1093/jrma/38.1.41|url = https://zenodo.org/record/1431793}}</ref> - an essential aspect.<ref name="Kassebaum1987">{{cite journal | last = Kassebaum |first = G. R.| title = Improvisation in Alapana Performance: A Comparative View of Raga Shankarabharana
| journal = [[Yearbook for Traditional Music]] |volume = 19 |pages = 45–64 |year = 1987 | doi = 10.2307/767877 | jstor = 767877| s2cid=192945498 }}</ref> "''Manodharma sangeetham''" or "''kalpana sangeetham''" ("music of imagination") as it is known in Carnatic music, embraces several varieties of improvisation.<ref name="Kassebaum1987"/><ref>[[#Arnold2000|Kassebaum (2000)]], p17</ref>

====Raga Alapana====
{{main|Alapana}}
An alapana, sometimes also called ragam,<ref name="Wolf1999">{{cite journal | last = Wolf |first = R.| title = untitled | journal = Asian Music |volume = 30 | issue = 1 |pages = 199–203 |year = 1999|doi = 10.2307/834271|jstor = 834271}}</ref> is the exposition of a [[raga]] or tone - a slow improvisation with no rhythm,<ref name="RoyalCarpetGlossary-R">[http://www.karnatik.com/glossr.shtml Royal Carpet: Glossary of Carnatic Terms R]</ref> where the raga acts as the basis of embellishment.<ref name="Nettl1974">{{cite journal | last = Nettl |first = Bruno |author-link=Bruno Nettl|title = Thoughts On Improvisation: A Comparative Approach| journal = [[Musical Quarterly]]|volume = LX |pages = 9–12 |year = 1974 |doi=10.1093/mq/LX.1.1}}</ref> In performing alapana, performers consider each raga as an object that has beginnings and endings and consists somehow of sequences of thought.<ref name="Nettl1974"/>

The performer will explore the [[ragam]] and touch on its various nuances,<ref name="Wolf1999"/> singing in the lower octaves first, then gradually moving up to higher octaves, while giving a hint of the song to be performed.<ref name="RoyalCarpetGlossary-R"/>

====Niraval====
{{main|Niraval}}
Niraval, usually performed by the more advanced performers, consists of singing one or two lines of a song repeatedly, but with a series of melodic improvised elaborations.<ref name="Higgins1987">{{cite journal | last = Higgins |first = J. B.
|title = Performing Arts in India: Essays on Music, Dance, and Drama| journal = Asian Music |volume = 18 | issue = 2 |pages = 103–118 |year = 1987 | doi=10.2307/833942|jstor = 833942
}}</ref> The lines are then also played at different levels of speed which can include double speed, triple speed, quadruple speed and even [[sextuple]] speed.<ref name="Henry2002">{{cite journal | last = Henry |first = E. O.
|title = The Rationalization of Intensity in Indian Music| journal = Ethnomusicology |volume = 46 | issue = 1 |pages = 33–35 |year = 2002 | doi = 10.2307/852807 | jstor = 852807}}</ref>

====Kalpanaswaram====
{{main|Kalpanaswaram}}
Kalpanaswaram, also known as swarakalpana, consists of improvising melodic and rhythmic passages using ''[[swara]]s'' (solfa syllables).<ref>[[#NettlRussell1998|Viswanathan & Cormack (1998)]], p219</ref> Kalpanaswaras are sung to end on a particular swara in the [[raga]] of the melody and at a specific place (''idam'') in the [[Tala (music)|tala]] cycle.<ref>[[#NettlRussell1998|Viswanathan & Cormack (1998)]], p221</ref> Generally, the swaras are sung to end on the ''samam'' (the first beat of the rhythmical cycle), and can be sung at the same speed or double the speed of the melody that is being sung, though some artists sing triple-speed phrases too.<ref name="Henry2002"/>

====Tanam====
Tanam is one of the most important forms of improvisation, and is integral to Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi.<ref name="Palackal1998">{{cite journal | last = Palackal |first = J. J.
|title = untitled| journal = Yearbook for Traditional Music|volume = 30 | pages = 207 |year = 1998 | doi=10.2307/768616|jstor = 768616
|s2cid = 191394968
}}</ref> Originally developed for the [[veena]], it consists of expanding the raga with syllables like ''tha, nam, thom, aa, nom, na,'' etc.

====Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi====
{{main|Ragam Tanam Pallavi}}
Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi is the principal long form in concerts,<ref name="Palackal1998"/> and is a composite form of improvisation. As the name suggests, it consists of raga alapana, tanam, and a [[pallavi]] line. Set to a slow-paced [[Tala (music)|tala]], the pallavi line is often composed by the performer. Through niraval, the performer manipulates the pallavi line in complex melodic and rhythmic ways.<ref name="Wolf1999"/> The niraval is followed by kalpanaswarams.

===Learning and performing===
When learning a raga, it is never enough just to know the basic scale of the raga. In fact, different ragas can sometimes have the same scales. For example, the raga pairs [[Bhairavi (Carnatic)|Bhairavi]] and [[Manji (raga)|Manji]], [[Mayamalavagowla]] and [[Nadanamakriya]], [[Bilahari]] and [[Mand (singing style)|Mand]], [[Sankarabharanam (raga)|Shankarabharanam]] and [[Kurinji]], among others, have exactly the same scale, but are clearly distinct ragas due to the way the notes and musical phrases are rendered. In addition, the scale of the raga often does not offer insight into some of the subtleties of the raga, such as usage of [[gamaka (music)|gamaka]]s, anya swaras, and ragabhavam. This is especially true for heavier ragas like [[Yadukulakamboji|Yadhukula Kambodhi]], [[Thodi]], [[Sahana (raga)|Sahana]], [[Huseni]], [[Varali]], etc.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

An interesting case{{According to whom|date=October 2011}} to observe is the similarity between the ragas [[Darbar (raga)|Darbar]] and [[Nayaki]]. Both are upanga janyas of the 22nd mela [[Kharaharapriya]], and have similar patterns in both their ascending and descending scales. However the two ragas are distinctly different, especially where the usage of the gandhara and nishada are concerned. When singing Darbar, these swaras are rendered more quickly with gamaka, and shine especially well when jante prayogas are used in the descending. On the other hand, these swaras are more elongated in [[Nayaki]], as illustrated in the pallavi of [[Muttusvami Dikshitar]]'s famous composition, RanganayakamBhavayeham.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

The best way to learn a raga and account for all its subtleties, therefore, is to refer to compositions, which often contain a wealth of phrases that lend beauty to the raga. Before an artist attempts to sing a raga, he or she should be familiar with several compositions in that raga. He or she should have also listened to many different renderings of the raga by various artists, in order to get a better sense of how certain phrases can be applied.{{According to whom|date=October 2011}}

===Improvisation and gender===
{{Empty section|date=January 2011}}

==Raga in dance and drama==
{{Empty section|date=July 2010}}

==Raga in non-classical traditions==
===Raga in devotional poetry and song===
{{Empty section|date=January 2011}}

===Raga in Harikatha===
The [[Harikatha]] tradition, which originated in the [[India]]n state of [[Maharashtra]], involves popular storytelling combined with dance and music. Krishna Bhagavathar, an exponent of [[Carnatic music]], is responsible for creating the [[South India]]n harikatha style - singing in raga, dancing with tala, and narrating stories in a manner that sustains the attention of the audience. In effect, [[Harikatha]] is an art form that requires knowledge of raga, Carnatic music, dance, speech, diction and dramatic technique. Harikatha performance aims to communicate with non-literate and literate audiences.<ref name="Kassebaum 2000 p106">[[#Arnold2000|Kassebaum (2000)]], p106</ref> [[Ajjada Adibhatla Narayana Das]] is credited as creator of modern Harikatha format.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Balantrapu |first1=Tejah |title=Hari Katha |url=https://medium.com/@tejahb/hari-katha-3e7e61800986 |website=Medium |language=en |date=20 January 2019}}</ref>

Well-known harikatha performers had sound knowledge of Carnatic music in the early part of the 20th century - some were well established Carnatic musicians, while others were composers. Today, a few performers keep this tradition alive and use ragas from both Carnatic music and [[Hindustani music]] traditions.<ref name="Kassebaum 2000 p106"/>

==Raga Discovery==
{{See also|List of composers who created ragas}}
In Indian classical music, ragas are precise and well organised melodic structures which have the capability to evoke distinct moods and emotions. There are many attempts of raga creations by [[Muthiah Bhagavatar|Harikesanallur Muthaiah Bhagavathar]] and many others.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Royal Carpet Carnatic Composers: Harikeshanallur MuttayAh BhAgavathar|url=https://www.karnatik.com/co1024.shtml|access-date=2021-08-12|website=www.karnatik.com}}</ref> In 21st century Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna who has created raga in three notes <ref name="firstpost.com">{{Cite web|date=2016-11-22|title=Carnatic singer M Balamuralikrishna passes away in Chennai, Venkaiah Naidu offers condolences-Entertainment News, Firstpost|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/carnatic-singer-m-balamurali-krishna-passes-away-3119230.html|access-date=2021-08-12|website=Firstpost}}</ref> Ragas such as Mahathi, Lavangi, Sidhdhi, Sumukham that he created have only four notes.<ref name="firstpost.com" />

==Raga and light classical music==
===Raga in film songs===
In south Indian cinema, you will find many examples where a film song is composed based on a Carnatic raga or song. Generally pleasant ragas like Mohanam, Shankarabharanam, Kalyani, etc. find their way into numerous film songs.

Here are some excerpts from Telugu cinema:
* Om namashivaya from [[Sagara Sangamam]] - Hindolam raga.
* Nada vinodamu from [[Sagara Sangamam]] - sriranjini.
* Omkara nadanu [[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]- sankarabharanam.
* Shivashankari from [[Jagadeka Veeruni Katha]]- Darbaari Kaanada.
* Paadana vani kalyaniga from [[Meghasandesam]] - Kalyani.

Here are some excerpts from Tamil cinema:
* Adhisaya Ragam from Aboorva Ragangal movie - Mahathi raga.
* Aadatha manamum undo from Manadhi Mannan movie - Lathangi Raga.
* Pon enben from Policekaran magal movie - Darbari Kanada Raga.
* Paatum Naane from Thiruvilaiyadal movie - Gowrimanohari Raga.
* Maname muruganin from Motor sundaram pillai Movie - Hindolam Raga.
* Thenavan Thaainaatu singarame from Tenaliraman movie - Reethi Gowla Raga.
* Isaiketaal puvi from Thavapudhalvan movie - Kalyani Raga.
* Thanga Radham vandhadhu from Kalaikovil movie - Abhogi Raga.
* Sivakami Aadavandhal from Paatum Bharathamum movie - Amritavarshini Raga.
* Nadhamenum Kovilile from Manamadha leelai movie - Sri ranjani Raga.
* Poi vaa magale from Karnan movie - Aananda Bhairavi Raga.
* Kallellam Maanika kallaguma from Alayamani movie - Mayamalavagowla Raga.
* Maadhavi Ponmayilaal from Iru Malargal Movie - Karaharapriya Raga.
* Pon ondru kanden from Padithaal matum podhuma - Brindavana Saranga Raga.
* Aadal Kalaye Deivam Thandhadhu from Raghavendra movie - Charukesi Raga.
* Rukku Rukku from Avvai Shanmukhi - Sahana Raga.
* Kalaivaniye from Sindhu Bhairavi - Kalyani Raga.
* Poomalai Vangi from Sindhu Bhairavi - Kanada Raga.
* Kannodu Kanbadethallam from Jeans - Abheri Raga.
* Sorgame Enralum - Hamsanadam Raga.
*Aaruyire Aaruyire - Charukesi Raga.

In Hindi cinema:
Mand Raaga - Tu Chanda main Chandani (Reshma aur Shera)

==See also==

* [[List of composers who created ragas]]
* [[Carnatic music]]
* [[Raga]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==References==
* Kassebaum, Gayathri Rajapur. ‘Karnatak raga’ (2000). In {{Cite book|title=The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music|last=Arnold|first=Alison|publisher=Taylor & Francis|location=[[New York City|New York]] & [[London]]|ref=Arnold2000}}
* Karnataka Sangeetha Darpana, by Smt. T Sharada and T Shachidevi, Part 2 in Kannada and English

{{Melakarta ragas|state=collapsed}}
{{Janya|state=collapsed}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Carnatic Raga}}
[[Category:Carnatic ragas| ]]

Carnatic raga - Revision history

CleanupBot II at 20:09, 13 August 2023