Nature in the Saptaswara

- December 26, 2023

The Saptaswara (the seven notes) form the basis of Indian Classical Music. Did you know that these notes are said to have originated from nature? The notes – Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni – are believed to come from the sounds made by various animals.

Music
Illustration: Sanjhiya Mayekar

Shadja or Sa: Cry of the peacock in monsoon

Rishaba or Re: Grunting of bulls

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Gandhara or Ga: Bleating of goats in a flock

Madhyama or Ma: Cry of the heron

Pancham or Pa: Cuckoo’s song in the spring

Dhaivata or Dha: Neighing of the horse

Nishada or Ni: Trumpeting of the elephant

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