Which is the 'Shuddh-Swar-Saptak' of Hindustani Music system ?

Question

Accepted Answer

In the Hindustani music system, the term 'Shuddh-Swar-Saptak' refers to the scale that consists of all the natural or pure notes (shuddh swaras). The correct answer to the question is Option 3: Bilawal.

1. **Explanation for Option 3 (Bilawal):**
   - Bilawal is recognized as the 'Shuddh-Swar-Saptak' in Hindustani classical music. It is equivalent to the Western major scale and consists of all the natural notes: Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, and Ni. These notes are all in their pure (shuddh) form, without any alterations or modifications. This makes Bilawal the foundational scale in Hindustani music, serving as a reference point for other ragas and scales.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 1 (Mukhari):**
     - Mukhari is not a term commonly associated with the 'Shuddh-Swar-Saptak' in Hindustani music. It is more relevant in the context of Carnatic music, where it is known as a raga. In Hindustani music, it does not represent a scale consisting solely of shuddh swaras.

- **Option 2 (Kankangi):**
     - Kankangi is also a term from the Carnatic music system, where it is the first melakarta raga. It does not correspond to the 'Shuddh-Swar-Saptak' in Hindustani music. The concept of melakarta ragas is specific to Carnatic music and does not apply to the Hindustani system in the context of shuddh swaras.

- **Option 4 (Kafi):**
     - Kafi is a raga in Hindustani music, but it is not the 'Shuddh-Swar-Saptak'. Kafi uses both shuddh and komal (flat) notes, specifically the komal Ga and Ni, which means it does not consist solely of shuddh swaras. Therefore, it cannot be considered the 'Shuddh-Swar-Saptak'.

In conclusion, Bilawal is the correct answer as it represents the scale with all shuddh swaras in Hindustani music, making it the 'Shuddh-Swar-Saptak'.