Question

Write the Swarasthanas of raga Sri.

Hint:

Sri Raga is the primary raga used to conclude Carnatic music concerts because it is considered highly auspicious and invokes peace.

Answer 1

Step 1: Concept
Evaluating the musical anatomy and scale structure of Sri Raga, one of the ancient Ghana ragas.


Step 2: Scale and Parentage
Sri Raga is an Audava-Vakra-Sampurna Janya raga derived from the 22nd Melakarta raga, Kharaharapriya.
- Arohana (Ascent): $S\ R_2\ M_1\ P\ N_2\ S$ (Gandhara and Dhaivata are skipped)
- Avarohana (Descent): $S\ N_2\ P\ D_2\ N_2\ P\ M_1\ R_2\ G_2\ R_2\ S$ (A crooked descent containing loops)

Step 3: Swarasthanas Taken
The notes taken by Sri Raga are:
1. Shadjam ($S$): Tonic.
2. Chatusruti Rishabham ($R_2$): A highly prominent, elongated jeeva-swara.
3. Sadharana Gandharam ($G_2$): Present only in the descent within the loop $R_2\ G_2\ R_2\ S$.
4. Suddha Madhyamam ($M_1$): Fourth note.
5. Panchamam ($P$): Fifth note.
6. Chatusruti Dhaivata ($D_2$): Present occasionally in the descent inside the loop $P\ D_2\ N_2\ P$.
7. Kaisiki Nishadam ($N_2$): Seventh note.
Final Answer: The Swarasthanas of Sri Raga are: Shadjam ($S$), Chatusruti Rishabham ($R_2$), Sadharana Gandharam ($G_2$), Suddha Madhyamam ($M_1$), Panchamam ($P$), Chatusruti Dhaivata ($D_2$), and Kaisiki Nishadam ($N_2$).