Which of the following correctly reflects the evolution of Indian classical music?

Question

Which of the following correctly reflects the evolution of Indian classical music?

1. A. Jatis evolved from ragas as per ancient texts
2. B. 72-mela system was given by Bharata in 13th century
3. C. Folk music originally used mela and grama scales
4. D. Ragas evolved from jatis; 72-mela was by Venkatamakhi (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — Ragas evolved from jatis; 72-mela was by Venkatamakhi

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Ragas evolved from jatis; 72-mela was by Venkatamakhi.

Key Points

• The historical direction is jatis → ragas: the older *jati* melodic classes described by Bharata gradually developed into the raga system.
• The 72-melakarta scheme of Carnatic music was formulated by Venkatamakhin in his *Chaturdandi Prakashika* (17th century).
• So the correct pairing is *ragas evolved from jatis; the 72-mela system was given by Venkatamakhin*.

Additional Information

• **Bharata's *Natyashastra*** is the foundational text on jatis, grama and murchhana — it predates the raga system proper.
• The melakarta scheme organises 72 parent scales, each generating derived *janya* ragas; Ramamatya and Govindacharya also contributed to its later systematisation.
• The Hindustani counterpart is the thaat system of ten parent scales, set out by V. N. Bhatkhande.

प्रश्न (हिन्दी में)

निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन भारतीय शास्त्रीय संगीत के विकास को सही ढंग से दर्शाता है?

1. A. प्राचीन ग्रंथों के अनुसार जातियाँ रागों से विकसित हुईं
2. B. 72-मेला प्रणाली भरत द्वारा 13वीं शताब्दी में दी गई थी
3. C. लोक संगीत में मूलतः मेला और ग्राम्य स्केल का प्रयोग किया जाता था
4. D. रागों का विकास जातियों से हुआ; 72-मेल वेंकटमाखी द्वारा रचित था