How to read and write the notes

Learn how to interpret the octave and swar notation used in Raga descriptions.

Represent Octaves

Following is how you denote various octaves:

• Lower Octave: Prefix the note with a star (*) sign. Example: *S means Lower Octave Sa.
• Higher Octave: Postfix the note with a star (*) sign. Example: S* means Higher Octave Sa.
• Middle Octave: No additional symbol/sign required. Example: S means Middle Octave Sa.

Represent Swars/Notes

Following is how you represent different types of swars/notes:

• Komal Swar: All lowercase swar/notes are Komal swars, except m, which is Ma Sudh.
• Sudh Swar: All uppercase swar/notes are Sudh swars, except M, which is Ma Tivar.

Full Notes Table