Janya raga · child of melakarta 51, Kamavardhini
Mandari
मन्दारी
Mandari is a janya (child) raga born from Kamavardhini, the 51st melakarta. It is shadava (six notes) in ascent, classified shadava-shadava. It carries a mood of Adbhuta: wonder; the air turns on itself.
Mandariमन्दारी
Pantuvarali with the dhaivata taken out; the melancholy goes with it.
Drops D1 from Kamavardhini.
Arohanam and avarohanam
Mandari climbs and falls along these paths:
| Arohanam (up) | S R1 G3 M2 P N3 S' |
|---|---|
| Avarohanam (down) | S' N3 P M2 G3 R1 S |
| Notes | 6 ascending, 6 descending (shadava-shadava) |
| Hindustani sargam | S r G M' P N |
Pantuvarali with the dhaivata taken out; the melancholy goes with it.
The notes of Mandari, as Western intervals
| Swara | Interval above Sa |
|---|---|
| S | unison (1) |
| R1 | minor second (m2) |
| G3 | major third (M3) |
| M2 | augmented fourth (A4) |
| P | perfect fifth (P5) |
| N3 | major seventh (M7) |
See how every swara becomes an interval in melakarta and Western music.
Songs to learn in Mandari
Mandari is explored most in alapana and improvisation. Sing its arohanam and avarohanam slowly over a tanpura to feel its path, and open it in the parent raga’s guide.
The parent: Kamavardhini
Mandari keeps the tuning of its parent Kamavardhini but walks its own road. To see the full seven-note scale it is drawn from, its chords and its other children, read the Kamavardhini guide, or learn how janya ragas work in general.
Questions about Mandari
What is the Mandari raga?
Mandari is a janya (derived) raga of the 51st melakarta, Kamavardhini. Its arohanam is S R1 G3 M2 P N3 S' and its avarohanam is S' N3 P M2 G3 R1 S.
What are the arohanam and avarohanam of Mandari?
Arohanam (ascending): S R1 G3 M2 P N3 S'. Avarohanam (descending): S' N3 P M2 G3 R1 S.