Correct Option
The correct option is D. Dheera Shankarabharanam
[as per provisional answerkey]Explanation
Indian Classical Music is divided into two major traditions: Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian). While both systems share the same fundamental notes (Swaras), they use different nomenclatures for their parent scales (Thaats in Hindustani and Melakartas in Carnatic). Raga Bilawal and Raga Dheera Shankarabharanam are equivalent as they both represent the Shuddha Swara scale, where all seven notes are in their natural (shuddha) positions.
- Dheera Shankarabharanam: This is the 29th Melakarta raga in the Katapayadi system of Carnatic music. It corresponds exactly to the Bilawal Thaat of Hindustani music. Both scales consist of the notes: Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni (C, D, E, F, G, A, B in Western terms), all of which are natural.
- Nat Bhairavi: This is the 20th Melakarta raga. It corresponds to the Asavari Thaat in Hindustani music, characterized by Komal (flat) Gandhar (Ga), Dhaivat (Dha), and Nishad (Ni).
- Kamavardhini: This is the 51st Melakarta raga. It is equivalent to Raga Purbi or Puriya Dhanashree in the Hindustani system, featuring a Tivra (sharp) Madhyam (Ma) and Komal Rishabh (Re) and Dhaivat (Dha).
- Hanumatodi: This is the 8th Melakarta raga. It corresponds to the Bhairavi Thaat of Hindustani music, where Rishabh (Re), Gandhar (Ga), Dhaivat (Dha), and Nishad (Ni) are all Komal (flat).
Key Takeaway:
Raga Dheera Shankarabharanam (Carnatic) and Raga Bilawal (Hindustani) are equivalent scales consisting entirely of natural notes (Shuddha Swaras).