Question

Write the Swarasthanas of raga Keeravani.

Hint:

Keeravani is the exact equivalent of the Harmonic Minor Scale in Western classical music.

Answer 1

Step 1: Concept
Keeravani is the 21st Melakarta raga (parent scale) in the 72 Melakarta scheme of Carnatic music. It belongs to the 4th chakra, named Veda.

Step 2: Scale (Murchana)
As a Melakarta raga, Keeravani is a Sampurna raga, containing all seven notes in both ascending and descending scales in a straight, linear sequence: - Aarohana (Ascending): $S \ R_2 \ G_2 \ M_1 \ P \ D_1 \ N_3 \ S'$
- Avarohana (Descending): $S' \ N_3 \ D_1 \ P \ M_1 \ G_2 \ R_2 \ S$

Step 3: Mapping the Swarasthanas
The seven notes of raga Keeravani correspond to the following positions/technical names: 1. Shadjam ($S$): Tonic/Fundamental Note.
2. Chatusruti Rishabham ($R_2$): Second Note.
3. Sadharana Gandharam ($G_2$): Flat/Minor Third.
4. Suddha Madhyamam ($M_1$): Natural Fourth.
5. Panchamam ($P$): Perfect Fifth.
6. Suddha Dhaivatam ($D_1$): Flat/Minor Sixth.
7. Kakali Nishadam ($N_3$): Major Seventh (sharp leading note). Final Answer: The swarasthanas of Keeravani are: Shadjam ($S$), Chatusruti Rishabham ($R_2$), Sadharana Gandharam ($G_2$), Suddha Madhyamam ($M_1$), Panchamam ($P$), Suddha Dhaivatam ($D_1$), and Kakali Nishadam ($N_3$).