Nalinakanti
A six-note raga whose upward line turns from Ga back to Ri before continuing to Ma.
Nalinakanti’s ascent begins Sa–Ga–Ri rather than Sa–Ri–Ga; this backward turn is part of its shape.
Scale
Arohana: S G3 R2 M1 P N3 Ṡ
Avarohana: Ṡ N3 P M1 G3 R2 S
Dha is absent in both directions. The note collection fits the Dheerasankarabharanam framework: R2 is Chatusruti Rishabha, G3 Antara Gandhara, M1 Shuddha Madhyama and N3 Kakali Nishada.
Recognising the movement
Follow S G3 R2 M1 as one connected gesture; sorting those notes into ascending pitch order loses the curve. The descending outline is more direct, returning through Ma, Ga and Ri.
Nalinakanti and Hamsadhwani share several notes, but Nalinakanti includes Ma and has a different opening turn. The name alone is not a reliable guide to these relationships.
Compositions
Tyagaraja’s Manavinalakincha, also known by the sung title Manavyalakinchara, is a compact example. The inward appeal to the mind unfolds through the raga’s turning movement. Another composition is Nalinakanti Kantimati by Mangalam Ganapati.