A confluence of art and music

Melakarta ragas are fundamental ragas from which other ragas may be generated. For this reason the melakarta ragas are also known as janaka (parent) ragas. Melakarta ragas are also known as sampoorna ragas as they contain all seven swaras (notes) of the octave in both the ascending and the descending mode.

There are 72 melakarta ragas.The melakarta system of ragas was first propounded by Raamamaatya in his work Svaramelakalanidhi c. 1550. He is considered the father of the mela system of ragas. Later in the 17th century, Venkatamakhi expounded a new mela system in his Chaturdandi Prakasika, known today as the Melakarta system.

The 72 Melakarta Ragas in both VENKATAMAKHI and GOVINDACHARYA Systems are given for the benefit of music lovers. Both Sadja and Panchama are common for all 72 Ragas; while Risabha, Gandhara, Madhyama Swaras remain the same for the 6 Ragas in each Chakra, either Dhaivata or Nisada or both vary for every Raga. It is KA-TA-PA-YA-DI formula. The 72 Melakartas are further subdivided into twelve parts of six ragas each (12 x 6 = 72). These 12 parts are called Chakras,and we also have interesting nomenclature for them, which enable us to find out the exact Chakra number even from its name.

Rare Jewels published by Corporate Communications Department,
L&T, ECC Division, Chennai

Click here to download Rasi Calender published by Corporate Communications Department,
L&T, ECC Division, Chennai

A confluence of art and music
on 72 Melakarta Ragas
12 chakras of music, the mind, body and soul
Click here to download Corporate Communications Department,
L&T, ECC Division, Chennai

Credits to
Sri. V S Ramana,
General Manager & Head - Corporate Communications - L&T - ECC