Lavangi (scale)

Lavangi is a term primarily used in Carnatic music (South Indian classical music) referring to a specific melakarta raga (parent scale).

Specifically, Lavangi is the 66th melakarta raga in the traditional Venkatamakhi system. Its arohana (ascending scale) and avarohana (descending scale) consist of all seven swaras (notes): sa, ri, ga, ma, pa, dha, ni.

In technical terms, the notes in Lavangi are:

• Sa - Shadjam
• Ri3 - Shatshruti Rishabham
• Ga3 - Antara Gandharam
• Ma2 - Prati Madhyamam
• Pa - Panchamam
• Dha3 - Kakali Nishadham
• Ni3 - Kaisiki Nishadham

The raga is known for its majestic and powerful character. It is rarely performed in concerts today, but several janya ragas (derived scales) are associated with it. Understanding Lavangi is crucial for a deeper comprehension of the Carnatic music system and the interrelationships between ragas.