Janya

''Janya'' is a term meaning "derive". In Carnatic (South Indian) music a ''janya raga'' is one derived from one of the 72 ''melakarta'' ragas (fundamental melodic structures). ''Janya'' ragas are classified into various types based on a variety of features.

''Varja'' ragas

Ragas that omit (varjyam, to omit in Sanskrit) one or more of the notes of the scale (''swaras'') of their parent ''melakarta'' raga, in the ascending or descending scale or in both, fall into this category. Different notes may be omitted from the ascending ''arohana'' and descending ''avarohana'' scale. Such scales are given the names listed below.''A practical course in Carnatic music'' by Prof. P. Sambamurthy, 15th edition published 1998, The Indian Music publishing house''Ragas in Carnatic music'' by Dr. S. Bhagyalekshmy, Pub. 1990, CBH Publications
vrja a
* ''Sampurna'' – 7 note scale
* ''Shadava'' – 6 notes
* ''Audava'' – 5 notes

Since these terms are applicable both to the ascending and the descending scale, ragas can be classified as ''Audava-Sampurna'' – 5 notes in ' and 7 in the ' – ''Shadava-Sampurna'' – 6 notes in ' and 7 in the ', as in ''Kambhoji'' raga and so forth.
''Sampurna-Sampurna'' ragas are not necessarily ''Melakarta'' because they may use notes not in the parent scale or ''vakra prayoga'', a "zig-zag" scale instead of sequential ascent and descent). Such ragas are termed ''vakra'' ragas. Examples are ''Nalinakanti'', '' Kathanakuthuhalam'', '' Darbaru'', ''Jana Ranjani'' and '' Kedaram''. See full List of Janya Ragas for more examples.

* ''Nalinakanti'' – ' S G3 R2 M1 P N3 S, ' S N3 P M1 G3 R2 S
* ''Kathanakuthuhalam'' – ' S R2 M1 D2 N3 G3 P S, ' S N3 D2 P M1 G3 R2 S

(see ''swaras'' of Carnatic music for an explanation of above notation)

''Upanga/Bhashanga'' ragas

''Upanga'' ragas are strictly derived from their parent ''melakarta'' raga and do not use any note not found in the parent raga's scale. Examples of ''upanga'' ragas are ''Shuddha Saveri'', '' Udayaravichandrika'' and '' Mohanakalyani''. ''Bhashanga'' ragas have ''anya swara(s)'' (external note; note not found in parent scale) in their ' or both. Examples of ''Bhashanga'' ragas are ''Kambhoji'', ''Bhairavi'', '' Bilahari'', ''Saranga'', ''Behag'' and '' Kāpi''.

Single octave

Some ''janya'' ragas are sung in only one octave. Moreover, the highest note is not the ''shadjam'' (sa), at which the base ''sruthi'' (drone) of a performance is set. The classifications in this category are as follows.

* ''Nishadantya'' – highest note is the ''nishadam'' (ni)
example ''Nadanamakriya'' derived from ''Mayamalavagowla'' scale (' S R1 G3 M1 P D1 N3, ' N3 D1 P M1 G3 R1 S N3)
* ''Dhaivathantya'' – highest note is the ''dhaivatham'' (dha)
example ''Kurinji'' derived from '' Shankarabharanam'' scale (' S N3 S R2 G3 M1 P D2, ' D2 P M1 G3 R2 S N3 S )
* ''Panchamantya'' – highest note is the ''panchamam'' (pa)
example ''Navaroj'' (' P D2 N3 S R2 G3 M1 P, ' M1 G1 R3 S N2 D2 P)

''Karnataka/Desya'' ragas

''Karnataka'' ragas are those that are considered to have originated in Carnatic music. Examples are '' Shankarabharanam'', ''Lalitha'' and ''Shuddha Saveri''.

''Desya'' ragas are those ragas that have their origins in other music, majority of them originating in Hindustani music. Examples are ''Yamunakalyani'', ''Desh'', ''Behag'' and '' Sindhu Bhairavi''.

Other classifications

There are various other classifications of ''janya'' ragas. These are based on relationships with other ragas (they give a feel of a different but similar raga), presence of '' gamakas'' (oscillations and graces around the note), stresses on notes or lack of them, the time of day when a raga is sung, '' rasa'' or mood that they evoke, etc.

See also

* List of Janya Ragas
* Melakartha

Notes

External links

carnatic.net

{{Janya

Carnatic music terminology