Sixteen names, twelve keys
The swarasthanas
Carnatic theory names sixteen swara positions, but the octave only has twelve places to put them. Four pairs — R₂/G₁, R₃/G₂, D₂/N₁, D₃/N₂ — are the same pitch wearing two names. Which name applies depends on the raga: if a raga takes the pitch at position 2 as its Ri, that pitch is R₂; if another raga needs it as a Ga (because its Ri sits lower), the very same key becomes G₁.
This is the trick that makes 72 melakartas possible — and the wheel’s six color families are nothing but the six legal ways of pairing Ri and Ga.
| Swara | Name | Position | JI ratio | vs 12-TET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | Shadjam | 0 | 1/1 | — |
| R1 | Suddha Rishabham | 1 | 16/15 | +11.7¢ |
| R2 | Chatusruti Rishabham | 2 | 9/8 | +3.9¢ |
| R3 | Shatsruti Rishabham | 3 | 6/5 | +15.6¢ |
| G1 | Suddha Gandharam | 2 | 9/8 | +3.9¢ |
| G2 | Sadharana Gandharam | 3 | 6/5 | +15.6¢ |
| G3 | Antara Gandharam | 4 | 5/4 | -13.7¢ |
| M1 | Suddha Madhyamam | 5 | 4/3 | -2.0¢ |
| M2 | Prati Madhyamam | 6 | 45/32 | -9.8¢ |
| P | Panchamam | 7 | 3/2 | +2.0¢ |
| D1 | Suddha Dhaivatam | 8 | 8/5 | +13.7¢ |
| D2 | Chatusruti Dhaivatam | 9 | 5/3 | -15.6¢ |
| D3 | Shatsruti Dhaivatam | 10 | 9/5 | +17.6¢ |
| N1 | Suddha Nishadam | 9 | 5/3 | -15.6¢ |
| N2 | Kaisiki Nishadam | 10 | 9/5 | +17.6¢ |
| N3 | Kakali Nishadam | 11 | 15/8 | -11.7¢ |
Tap any key or row to hear the pitch at your current śruti. Rows sharing a position number are the same key with two names — which name applies depends on the raga you are in.