Vasantha
A vakra, Pa-less raga whose common modern outline rises without Ri and returns through N3, D2, M1, G3 and R1.
The sound
Vasantha is a compact, curved raga with no Pa. In its common modern form, Ri is absent from ascent and appears on descent; the opening turn through Ma–Ga–Ma and the upper movement through Dha and Ni are more informative than a straight note list.
Scale
One common modern outline is:
| Svara sequence | |
|---|---|
| Ascent — arohana | S M1 G3 M1 D2 N3 Ṡ |
| Descent — avarohana | Ṡ N3 D2 M1 G3 R1 S |
Svara key: R1 suddha rishabha, G3 antara gandhara, M1 suddha madhyama, D2 chatusruti dhaivata, N3 kakali nishada. Pa is omitted. Parent: commonly placed under Melakarta 17, Suryakantam, in the modern system.
How to recognise Vasantha
- The ascent begins by curving
S M G M; it is not a direct scalar climb. - Pa is absent throughout, and Ri enters only in descent in the common outline.
- The gap between Ma and Dha gives the upper part of the scale its open shape.
Compositions to know
- Sitamma Mayamma — Tyagaraja
- Hariharaputram Shastaram — Muttuswami Dikshitar
- Natanam Adinar — Gopalakrishna Bharati
Related: Melakarta 17 · Svara key · Raga