Question

Match List - I and List - II:

• A. a-iii, b-ii, c-iv, d-i
• B. a-i, b-iii, c-ii, d-iv
• C. a-ii, b-iv, c-i, d-iii
• D. a-i, b-ii, c-iv, d-ii

Hint:

The five Pancharatna Ghana Ragas are: Nata, Gaula, Arabhi, Varali, and Sri. Knowing these five helps immediately identify any "Ghana Raga" in multiple-choice questions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Concept
This matching question explores different musical classifications of ragas based on structural configuration, historical prominence, and parent-scale properties.

Step 2: Analytical matching of each item
- a. Varja Raga: A raga that omits one or more notes (swaras) from the parent heptatonic (Melakarta) scale. Saveri is an Audava-Sampurna raga, meaning it omits Gandharam ($G$) and Nishadam ($N$) in its ascending scale ($S \ R_1 \ M_1 \ P \ D_1 \ S'$). Thus, a connects to iii.
- b. Vakra Raga: A raga whose ascending or descending scale contains a non-linear, zigzag or crooked progression of notes. Ritigoula is a classic vakra raga, characterized by crooked phrases such as $S \ G_2 \ R_2 \ G_2 \ M_1 \ N_2 \ D_2 \ M_1 \ N_2 \ N_2 \ S'$ in its ascent. Thus, b connects to ii.
- c. Ghana Raga: Ragas that are highly suited for fast-paced rhythmic improvisations (Tanam) and possess majestic, heavy resonance. Nata is historically classified as the first of the Pancharatna (five gems) Ghana Ragas. Thus, c connects to iv.
- d. Pratimadyama Raga: Ragas that utilize the sharp/augmented fourth note, Prati Madhyamam ($M_2$). The 72 Melakarta system is divided into Suddha Madhyamam ($M_1$, ragas 1--36) and Prati Madhyamam ($M_2$, ragas 37--72). Simhendramadhyamam is the 57th Melakarta raga and belongs to the second half. Thus, d connects to i.

Step 3: Verification
The correct matching pairs are: a-iii, b-ii, c-iv, d-i. This corresponds directly to option (A). Final Answer: (A)