Which raga system forms the foundation of Carnatic compositions in the Andhra school, as codified in the 17th century by Venkatamakhin?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is (C) Mela Karta System.
Explanation:
☛ In the 17th century, musicologist Venkatamakhin formulated and codified the 72 Melakarta system in his renowned treatise Chaturdandi Prakasika.
☛ A Melakarta (also known as Janaka raga) is a fundamental parent musical scale from which other ragas (Janya ragas) are derived.
☛ This scheme systematically organizes ragas based on all possible combinations of the seven basic musical notes (Swaras: Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni).
☛ The 72 Melakartas are mathematically categorized into 12 Chakras (groups), with each Chakra containing exactly 6 ragas.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Purandara Dasa is universally revered as the Sangeeta Pitamaha (Father of Carnatic Music) for formalizing music pedagogy.
☛ The revered Trinity of Carnatic Music consists of Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri.
☛ The order and serial number of the 72 Melakartas are easily identified using the ancient Indian alphanumeric cipher known as the Katapayadi Sankhya.
☛ Venkatamakhin flourished in the Thanjavur Nayak kingdom under the patronage of King Vijay Raghava Nayak.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Who is known as the 'Pitamaha' (Father) of Carnatic Music? → Purandara Dasa
☛ In which Sanskrit text did Venkatamakhin introduce the 72 Melakarta scheme? → Chaturdandi Prakasika
☛ How many Melakarta (parent) ragas exist in the Carnatic music system? → 72
☛ Which numerical code system is used to identify the scale number of a Melakarta raga? → Katapayadi Sankhya
☛ Which ancient treatise on performing arts, dance, and music was composed by Bharata Muni? → Natya Shastra