Raga Theory: Aroha, Avaroha, Pakad, Vadi, Samvadi, Jati and Time
What this domain tests
Raga theory asks you to define aroha, avaroha, pakad, vadi, samvadi, jati and time, and to use them as evidence when identifying a raga.
Core rules
- A raga needs at least five swaras, an ascending and descending line, a dominant vadi, a consonant samvadi, and a recognizable pakad.
- Vadi is the most emphasized swara; samvadi is its consonant partner, often a fourth or fifth away; anuvadi are the remaining swaras; vivadi are omitted or avoided.
- Jati counts swaras in aroha and avaroha: audava 5, shadava 6, sampurna 7. A raga can be sampurna in aroha and shadava in avaroha, so always give both.
- Pakad is a short phrase that identifies the raga; it is not the full scale.
- Time is traditionally expressed by prahar. Ragas at sunrise and sunset are sandhiprakash; the same clock time can host different ragas.
Worked example
Compare Bilawal and Khamaj. Bilawal uses all shuddha swaras, is sampurna-sampurna, has vadi Dha and samvadi Ga, and belongs to the morning period. Khamaj uses komal Ni in descent, is sampurna-sampurna, has vadi Ga and samvadi Ni, and is an evening raga. The identifying evidence is the treatment of Ni, not the thaat label alone.
Traps
Assuming Sa is always vadi; confusing samvadi with sam; counting jati from only one direction; treating time as a strict clock; and offering a full scale when asked for pakad.