Opus 4.7
Mēḷakartā is a collection of fundamental musical scales (ragas) in Carnatic music (South Indian classical music). Mēḷakartā ragas are parent ragas (hence known as janaka ragas) from which other ragas may be derived. In Hindustani music the thaat is the rough equivalent of Melakartā. There are 10 thaats in Hindustani music, though the commonly accepted melakarta scheme has 72 ragas. The html Melakarta playground below is a one-shotted webapp using Opus 4.7.
The 72 Melakartha Ragas
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Understanding the Melakartha System
A mathematically elegant framework that organizes every possible seven-note scale into 72 parent ragas, from which all of Carnatic music flows.
What Is a Melakartha Raga?
A Melakartha raga (also called a janaka raga or parent raga) is a raga that uses all seven swaras (notes) in both its ascending scale (arohanam) and descending scale (avarohanam). There are exactly 72 such ragas, and every other raga in Carnatic music (janya ragas) derives from one of them by dropping or reordering notes.
The system was formalized by Venkatamakhi in his treatise Chaturdandi Prakashika (1660 CE), though it builds on centuries of earlier musical thought.
The Seven Swaras and Their Variants
Carnatic music uses seven swara positions, analogous to Do-Re-Mi but with 16 distinct pitches mapped across 12 semitones:
| Swara | Full Name | Variants | Semitones | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | Shadjam | 1 (fixed) | 0 | Tonic |
| R | Rishabham | R1, R2, R3 | 1, 2, 3 | Second |
| G | Gandharam | G1, G2, G3 | 2, 3, 4 | Third |
| M | Madhyamam | M1, M2 | 5, 6 | Fourth |
| P | Panchamam | 1 (fixed) | 7 | Fifth |
| D | Dhaivatam | D1, D2, D3 | 8, 9, 10 | Sixth |
| N | Nishadam | N1, N2, N3 | 9, 10, 11 | Seventh |
Note: R2 and G1 share semitone 2. R3 and G2 share semitone 3. D2 and N1 share semitone 9. D3 and N2 share semitone 10. These are enharmonic equivalents named differently based on their function.
Why Exactly 72?
The number arises from a simple combinatorial constraint:
- Sa and Pa are fixed (no choice)
- Ma has 2 variants → splits the system into two halves of 36
- Ri-Ga must satisfy Ri ≤ Ga in pitch, giving 6 valid combinations
- Da-Ni must satisfy Da ≤ Ni in pitch, giving 6 valid combinations
Each unique combination produces a unique scale. No more, no less.
The 12 Chakras
The 72 ragas are organized into 12 chakras (groups) of 6 ragas each. All ragas in a chakra share the same Ri, Ga, and Ma, differing only in their Da and Ni. The chakra names encode their number using the Katapayadi system:
Where to Start Listening
If you're new to Carnatic music, these Melakartha ragas have the richest repertoire and are the most commonly performed:
- #15 Mayamalavagowla — The first raga taught to every Carnatic music student. Bright and auspicious.
- #29 Shankarabharanam — Equivalent to the Western major scale. Grand and joyful.
- #65 Kalyani — Sublime and expansive. One of the most beloved ragas.
- #22 Kharaharapriya — Warm and versatile. Vast repertoire across composers.
- #28 Harikambhoji — Lively and bright. Parent of the famous Mohanam and Kambhoji.
- #8 Hanumatodi — Deep and majestic. Evokes devotion and longing.
- #20 Natabhairavi — Similar to the natural minor. Contemplative and serene.