Janya Rāga

 Janya Rāga

A Janya Rāga is a derivative rāga in Carnatic music, originating from one of the 72 parent scales known as Melakarta rāgas. Unlike Melakarta rāgas, which follow a strict structure with seven notes (sapta swaras) in both ascending (Arohana) and descending (Avarohana) sequences, Janya rāgas can vary in the number of notes and their arrangement. Here are some key points and terminology related to Janya rāgas:

Classification of Janya Rāgas

Janya rāgas are classified based on their relationship to the parent Melakarta rāga and their structural characteristics:

1. Upanga Rāga: Janya rāgas that strictly use only the notes from their parent Melakarta rāga.
2. Bhashanga Rāga: Janya rāgas that use notes not found in their parent Melakarta rāga, introducing foreign notes called anya swaras.
3. Vakra Rāga: Janya rāgas that have zigzag (non-linear) sequences in their Arohana or Avarohana.

Types of Janya Rāgas

1. Audava Rāga: Rāgas with five notes in their Arohana or Avarohana.
2. Shadava Rāga: Rāgas with six notes in their Arohana or Avarohana.
3. Sampoorna Janya Rāga: Rāgas with all seven notes in either the Arohana, Avarohana, or both, but with different arrangements than the parent Melakarta rāga.

Examples of Janya Rāgas

1. Hamsadhwani: Derived from the Melakarta rāga Shankarabharanam (29th Melakarta).

   • Arohana: S R₂ G₃ P N₃ S
   • Avarohana: S N₃ P G₃ R₂ S
   • Characteristics: Audava rāga (5 notes), commonly used for auspicious beginnings.

2. Kambhoji: Derived from the Melakarta rāga Harikambhoji (28th Melakarta).

   • Arohana: S R₂ G₃ M₁ P D₂ S
   • Avarohana: S N₂ D₂ P M₁ G₃ R₂ S
   • Characteristics: Bhashanga rāga, includes anya swara N₂ (Kakali Nishada).

3. Mohanam: Derived from the Melakarta rāga Harikambhoji (28th Melakarta).

   • Arohana: S R₂ G₃ P D₂ S
   • Avarohana: S D₂ P G₃ R₂ S
   • Characteristics: Audava rāga, one of the most popular pentatonic rāgas.

4. Madhyamavati: Derived from the Melakarta rāga Kharaharapriya (22nd Melakarta).

   • Arohana: S R₂ M₁ P N₂ S
   • Avarohana: S N₂ P M₁ R₂ S
   • Characteristics: Audava rāga, often used at the end of concerts for its calming effect.

5. Kedaragowla: Derived from the Melakarta rāga Harikambhoji (28th Melakarta).

   • Arohana: S R₂ M₁ P N₂ S
   • Avarohana: S N₂ D₂ P M₁ G₃ R₂ S
   • Characteristics: Shadava-Sampoorna rāga (6 notes in Arohana, 7 in Avarohana), has a majestic and devotional mood.

Characteristics of Janya Rāgas

• Flexibility in Structure: Janya rāgas can have any combination of five, six, or seven notes in their ascending and descending scales.
• Distinctive Phrases: Each Janya rāga has unique melodic phrases that define its character and differentiate it from other rāgas.
• Usage of Ornamentation: Gamakas (ornamentations) play a crucial role in bringing out the essence of a Janya rāga.
• Emotional Expression: Janya rāgas are often chosen based on the mood or emotion the performer wants to convey, making them versatile for various themes in compositions.

Importance in Carnatic Music

• Diversity: The vast number of Janya rāgas enriches the Carnatic music repertoire, offering a wide range of melodies and emotions.
• Creativity: The flexible structure of Janya rāgas provides composers and performers with a broad canvas for creativity and improvisation.
• Pedagogical Value: Learning and performing Janya rāgas help students understand the nuances of rāga development and improvisation techniques.

In summary, Janya rāgas are a vital component of Carnatic music, adding depth, variety, and richness to its melodic landscape. They are instrumental in preserving traditional compositions and fostering innovation in contemporary performances.