Swar and Swaralipi (Notation System)
This domain tests whether you can think in Hindustani notation: identify the twelve swaras of the saptak, place them in the correct octave, and write aroha, avaroha, pakad and compositions in swaralipi. The exam expects both reading and writing, not just naming notes.
Core rules
- The saptak has seven shuddha swaras: S R G M P D N. The five vikrit swaras are komal Re, Ga, Dha, Ni and tivra Ma.
- Sa and Pa are achal (fixed); Re, Ga, Dha, Ni and Ma are movable. Sa is the reference, not a fixed absolute pitch.
- Octave marks matter: a dot above (S') is tar saptak; a dot below is mandra saptak. A dash lengthens a note; a curve shows meend; a small note shows kan swar.
- Notation must show chalan, not merely a scale. Vakra phrases, skipped notes and ornaments are part of the raga's identity.
Worked example
Write Yaman's aroha and avaroha. Yaman takes tivra Ma and all other swaras shuddha. Aroha: S R G M^ P D N S'. Avaroha: S' N D P M^ G R S. Reasoning: the caret marks tivra Ma; Sa and Pa carry no komal mark because they are achal; the upper Sa is dotted because it is in tar saptak. If you write plain M, you have described a different scale, not Yaman.
Traps
- Using komal Ma in Yaman, or putting a komal sign on Sa or Pa.
- Forgetting that avaroha can be vakra; do not mechanically reverse the aroha.
- Mixing octave dots: S' is higher Sa, not a new swara.
- Treating notation signs as decorative; examiners award marks for correct placement.