Which of the following statements about Melakarta Ragas in Carnatic music is/are correct?
Statement 1: There are 72 Melakarta ragas, which are parent scales.
Statement 2: All Melakarta ragas are derived from Janya ragas.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Only 1.
Explanation:
☛ In Carnatic music, Melakarta ragas are fundamental parent musical scales, and there are exactly 72 Melakarta ragas. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
☛ Janya ragas are derived or secondary ragas that originate from Melakarta ragas; therefore, Melakarta ragas are parent scales and not derived from Janya ragas. Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect.
☛ Every Melakarta raga is a Sampurna raga, meaning it contains all seven musical notes (swaras) in both ascending order (Arohana) and descending order (Avarohana).
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Chaturdandi Prakasika: The 72 Melakarta system was systematically formulated by the musicologist Venkatamakhin in the 17th century.
☛ Chakras: The 72 Melakarta ragas are divided into 12 groups called Chakras, each containing 6 ragas.
☛ Madhyama Division: The first 36 ragas employ Suddha Madhyama (M1), whereas the latter 36 ragas employ Prati Madhyama (M2).
☛ First and Last Ragas: The 1st Melakarta raga is Kanakangi, and the 72nd Melakarta raga is Rasikapriya.
☛ Mayamalavagowla: This is the 15th Melakarta raga, traditionally used to teach beginners in Carnatic music, established by Purandara Dasa.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Who is revered as the 'Father of Carnatic Music'? → Purandara Dasa
☛ What are the derived ragas called in Carnatic music? → Janya ragas
☛ How many musical notes (swaras) are present in a Sampurna raga? → Seven
☛ Which Sanskrit musical treatise introduced the 72 Melakarta system? → Chaturdandi Prakasika
☛ Who are collectively known as the 'Trinity of Carnatic Music'? → Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri