Sampoorna Janya Rāga

 Sampoorna Janya Rāga

In the context of Indian classical music, a Sampoorna Janya Rāga is a derived or offspring raga that contains all seven notes (svaras) in its scale. The term "Sampoorna" means "complete," indicating that the raga uses a full heptatonic scale in its structure, both in the ascending (Arohana) and descending (Avarohana) scales.

Here’s a breakdown of the terms:

• Sampoorna: Complete or full, using all seven notes.
• Janya: Derived or offspring, indicating that the raga is derived from a parent or Melakarta raga.
• Rāga: A framework for composition and improvisation in Indian classical music.

Characteristics of Sampoorna Janya Rāga

1. Full Seven Notes: These ragas use all seven notes (Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni) in their scale.
2. Derived from Melakarta Ragas: A Janya raga is derived from one of the 72 Melakarta (parent) ragas. While the Melakarta ragas themselves are inherently Sampoorna, the Janya ragas can be heptatonic (Sampoorna) or have fewer notes (e.g., Shadava, Audava).
3. Arohana and Avarohana: The ascending (Arohana) and descending (Avarohana) sequences contain all seven notes.

Examples of Sampoorna Janya Rāgas

1. Kafi: Derived from the Kafi Thaat, it uses all seven notes and is widely used in both classical and semi-classical music.

   • Arohana: S R g M P D n S
   • Avarohana: S n D P M g R S

2. Khamaj: Often used in light classical music and thumris.

   • Arohana: S G M P D N S
   • Avarohana: S N D P M G R S

3. Yaman: A very popular evening raga.

   • Arohana: N R G M^ D N S
   • Avarohana: S N D P M^ G R S
   • Note: The M^ (Tivra Ma) indicates the sharp Ma.

Importance in Indian Classical Music

• Expressiveness: With all seven notes, Sampoorna Janya ragas have a broad range for melodic expression and emotional depth.
• Versatility: These ragas offer more possibilities for elaboration and improvisation due to the complete set of notes.
• Foundation for Other Ragas: They serve as a foundation for the creation of various other forms of ragas by modifying the sequence or omitting certain notes to form Audava (pentatonic) or Shadava (hexatonic) scales.

In essence, Sampoorna Janya Rāgas are complete and versatile melodic frameworks that provide a rich tapestry for musical creativity and expression in Indian classical music.