The 72 Melakarta Ragas: Exploring the Fundamentals of South Indian Classical Music
In the realm of South Indian classical music, the Melakarta ragas hold a significant position. These ragas form the foundation of Carnatic music, offering a structured framework for composition and improvisation. In this article, we will delve into the characteristics of Melakarta ragas, explore their historical development, examine the process of determining a Melakarta raga, and shed light on the concept of chakras within this system.
Characteristics of Melakarta Ragas
Melakarta ragas, also known as Janaka ragas, possess distinct characteristics that set them apart within the vast repertoire of Carnatic music:
- Melakarta ragas are sampurna ragas, meaning they contain all seven swaras (notes) of the octave in both ascending and descending scales.
- The upper shadjam (sa) note is always included in the scale of a Melakarta raga.
- The ascending (arohanam) and descending (avarohanam) scales of a Melakarta raga must have the same set of notes.
These characteristics ensure consistency and structure in the melodic progression of a Melakarta raga, providing a solid foundation for musical exploration and composition.
History of Melakarta Ragas
The origins of the Melakarta system can be traced back to the 16th century when Raamamaatya proposed the concept in his seminal work, Svaramelakalanidhi. However, it was Venkatamakhin, a prominent musicologist of the 17th century, who further developed and refined the system in his treatise, Chaturdandi Prakaasikaa.
Venkatamakhin’s contributions included defining 72 Melakarta ragas by selecting six svaras (notes) from the known 12 semitones. This selection process involved some controversial choices and resulted in the establishment of a comprehensive system of Melakarta ragas.
Later, Govindhacharya standardized the rules and names of the Melakarta ragas, ensuring uniformity and facilitating the learning and exploration of these foundational ragas.
Determining the Melakarta
The process of determining a Melakarta raga involves the application of the Katapayadi sankhya rule. Each Melakarta raga has a unique index derived from its name using this rule. This index represents the arrangement and sequence of the svaras (notes) within the raga’s scale.
By following the Katapayadi sankhya rule, it is possible to derive the scale of a Melakarta raga based on its name, ensuring consistency and accuracy in identifying and understanding these ragas.
Chakras in the Melakarta System
The 72 Melakarta ragas are organized into 12 groups called chakras. Each chakra consists of six ragas that share a common set of notes up to the panchama (P) note. The distinguishing factor among the ragas within a chakra lies in the dhaivatam (D) and nishadam (N) notes.
These chakras provide a framework for classifying and categorizing the Melakarta ragas, making it easier to comprehend and navigate the vast repertoire of ragas in Carnatic music.
By understanding the chakras, musicians and enthusiasts can explore the relationships and nuances between ragas within the same chakra, facilitating a deeper appreciation of the melodic intricacies present in Carnatic music.
Overall, the 72 Melakarta ragas form the backbone of South Indian classical music, providing a structured and comprehensive system for musical expression. By adhering to the principles and characteristics of Melakarta ragas, musicians can delve into the depths of Carnatic music, creating intricate compositions and improvisations that captivate the hearts and minds of listeners.
Sources:
– Wikipedia – Melakarta
– Ragaa: 72 Melakartha Raagas
– KSST – 72 Melakarta Ragas
FAQs
What are Melakarta ragas?
Melakarta ragas, also known as Janaka ragas, are a set of foundational ragas in South Indian classical music (Carnatic music). These ragas follow a specific structure and possess unique characteristics that distinguish them from other ragas. They form the basis for composition, improvisation, and further exploration in Carnatic music.
How many Melakarta ragas are there?
There are a total of 72 Melakarta ragas in the Carnatic music system. These ragas are organized into 12 groups called chakras, with each chakra containing six ragas. The chakras provide a classification framework based on the similarities and differences in the dhaivatam (D) and nishadam (N) notes among the ragas.
What are the characteristics of Melakarta ragas?
Some key characteristics of Melakarta ragas include:
- Being sampurna ragas, meaning they contain all seven swaras (notes) of the octave in both ascending and descending scales.
- Inclusion of the upper shadjam (sa) note in the raga scale.
- The ascending and descending scales of a Melakarta raga have the same set of notes.
Who developed the Melakarta system?
The Melakarta system of ragas was first proposed by Raamamaatya in his work Svaramelakalanidhi around 1550. However, it was Venkatamakhin, a musicologist in the 17th century, who further developed and refined the system in his work Chaturdandi Prakaasikaa. Venkatamakhin defined the 72 Melakarta ragas by selecting six svaras (notes) from the known 12 semitones, making some controversial choices.
How are the Melakarta ragas determined?
The index of a Melakarta raga is determined using the Katapayadi sankhya rule. Each Melakarta raga has a unique index derived from its name based on this rule. The index represents the arrangement and sequence of the svaras (notes) within the raga’s scale. By following the Katapayadi sankhya rule, the scale of a Melakarta raga can be derived from its name.
What is the significance of the chakras in the Melakarta system?
The 72 Melakarta ragas are divided into 12 groups called chakras, with each chakra consisting of six ragas. The chakras provide a classification framework based on the similarities in the notes up to the panchama (P) note and the variations in the dhaivatam (D) and nishadam (N) notes among the ragas. Understanding the chakras helps in categorizing and organizing the Melakarta ragas, providing insights into their relationships and facilitating a structured study of these ragas.
Can Melakarta ragas be modified or altered?
The Melakarta ragas are considered fundamental and adhere to specific rules regarding their structure and sequence of notes. While variations and improvisations are common in Carnatic music, the core structure and characteristics of the Melakarta ragas remain intact. However, musicians have the freedom to explore and express within the framework of each raga, showcasing their creativity and skill.
How do Melakarta ragas contribute to Carnatic music?
The 72 Melakarta ragas form the backbone of Carnatic music, providing a structured and comprehensive system for musical expression. They serve as a foundation for composition, improvisation, and exploration in this rich musical tradition. Melakarta ragas offer a framework for understanding the intricacies of Carnatic music and serve as a common language for musicians, enabling them to communicate and collaborate effectively.