Find the odd one:

Question

Find the odd one:

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:
The basis of this question lies in the ancient system of Indian musicology, specifically the concept of *Murchhana*. *Murchhanas* are the seven modal scales derived from each of the two primary parent scales (*Grams*): *Shadaj Gram* and *Madhyam Gram*, totaling fourteen. Options 1, 2, and 3 are all authentic and recognized names of these ancient *Murchhanas*: *Pourvi* is a *Madhyam Gram Murchhana*, and *Matsarikrita* and *Uttrayta* are *Shadaj Gram Murchhanas*. However, *Arshbhi* is an unrecognized or incorrect term within the established list of these fourteen *Murchhanas*. Therefore, as the term does not belong to the sanctioned nomenclature, it is conceptually the odd one out among a set of traditional scale names.

The incorrect option is 1:
*Pourvi* (or Pauravī) is a definitively established *Murchhana* belonging to the *Madhyam Gram*. In ancient texts, the seven *Madhyam Gram Murchhanas* are listed as Sauvīrī, Hariṇāśvā, Kalopanatā, Śuddhamadhyā, Mārgavī, Pauravī, and Hṛṣyakā. *Pourvi* is one of these traditional names and represents a specific modal shift of the parent scale. Since it is a proper, classified term within this system, it belongs to the same category as the other correct *Murchhana* names listed.

The incorrect option is 2:
*Matsarikrita* (or Matsarīkṛta) is an authentic *Murchhana* belonging to the *Shadaj Gram*. The seven recognized *Shadaj Gram Murchhanas* are Uttaramandrā, Rajanī, Uttarāyatā, Śuddhaṣaḍjā, Matsarīkṛta, Aśvakrāntā, and Abhirudgatā. Like the other options (except Arshbhi), *Matsarikrita* is a foundational component of the ancient scalar system. Its inclusion here confirms its validity as a classification term, and thus it cannot be the dissimilar element.

The incorrect option is 3:
*Uttrayta* (or Uttarāyatā) is the name of another historically recognized *Murchhana* of the *Shadaj Gram*. The classification of *Murchhanas* was crucial for developing the concept of *Raga*. As a genuine name from the *Shadaj Gram* set, *Uttrayta* is a valid technical term for a specific modal scale. Since it adheres to the formal nomenclature, it is correctly categorized with Options 1 and 2, and is not the "odd one" in terms of classification.