Question

Select the Arohana Vakra raga from the following:

• A. Todi
• B. Purvi Kalyani
• C. Pantuvarali
• D. Kedargoula

Hint:

Vakra ragas have scales that act as guides for typical movements. Real Raga bhava is understood through these crooked aesthetic loops rather than plain linear climbs.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Concept
A raga is called Vakra (crooked) if its scale (Arohana or Avarohana) does not move in a straight, linear ascending or descending order of notes, but instead loops back or zig-zags (e.g., $S\ R\ M\ P\ N\ D\ S$). If this crookedness happens during the ascent, it is an Arohana Vakra Raga.


Step 2: Structural Scale Analysis
- Todi: It is a straight, linear Melakarta raga ($8$th Mela). Scale: $S\ R_1\ G_2\ M_1\ P\ D_1\ N_2\ S$ $S\ N_2\ D_1\ P\ M_1\ G_2\ R_1\ S$. It is completely linear.
- Pantuvarali ($51$st Mela): It is also a straight, linear Melakarta raga. Scale: $S\ R_1\ G_3\ M_2\ P\ D_1\ N_3\ S$ $S\ N_3\ D_1\ P\ M_2\ G_3\ R_1\ S$. No zig-zag motion exists.
- Purvi Kalyani: An Janya raga whose Arohana is straight ($S\ R_1\ G_3\ M_2\ P\ D_2\ P\ S$ or simply $S\ R\ G\ M\ P\ D\ S$) and Avarohana is Vakra.
- Kedargoula (Janya of 28th Mela Harikambhoji): Scale has a Vakra/asymmetric pattern in Arohana: $S\ R_2\ M_1\ P\ N_2\ S$ which is an Audava structure, but in traditional performance and older texts, its phrases feature crooked movements (e.g., $S\ R_2\ M_1\ P\ N_2\ D_2\ P\ S$ or containing crooked transitions). It is classically defined as an Arohana Vakra Janya raga.


Step 3: Conclusion
Kedargoula represents the Vakra scale structure among the given choices, aligning with option (D).
Final Answer: (D)