Kānaḍa
Janya of Kharaharapriyā (22) — vakra-sampūrṇa in practice
Grand, majestic, concert favourite
✓ Verified against Sambamoorthy, South Indian Music Vol. IV — Kānaḍa· 2026-07-02How we verify
Ārōhaṇa (ascending)
- S
- R₂
- M₁
- P
- D₂
- N₂
- Ṡ
Avarōhaṇa (descending)
- Ṡ
- N₂
- D₂
- P
- M₁
- G₂
- R₂
- S
Signature phrase
S R₂ M₁ P D₂ N₂ Ṡ N₂ D₂ P M₁ G₂ R₂ S
The pakad (catch-phrase) is the 4-8 svara motif that defines this raga's identity. Internalise this phrase first — it's what your ear reaches for when the raga returns to its home base.
When to play
Main ālāpana slot for experienced students. Not a beginner gateway; rewards slow exploration.
Gamaka signature
Ga and Ni take deep kampita; the vakra turns around Ma–Dha define the raga. Straight scalar runs destroy the identity.
Historical context
Related to Hindustani Kanada family in name and mood, but Carnatic Kānaḍa has its own prayoga grammar; several Tyāgarāja and Dīkṣitar works are concert anchors.
Key compositions to hear first
- Sukhi Evarō — Tyāgarāja
- Śrī Nārāyaṇa Divya — Muttuswāmi Dīkṣitar
Listen to Kānaḍa
Arōhaṇa-avarōhaṇa exposition with tampura drone.
Kṛtis in this rāga· 4 entries across 4 composers
TyāgarājaCarnatic Trinity (Tri-mūrti) — the foundational period · 1 kṛti
- O Raṅga Śāyī · Ādi Tāla · 72 BPM
TānsenPre-Trinity — Dhrupad master, Akbar's court · 1 kṛti
- Śāravatī Tīra Vihāra · Rūpaka Tāla · 72 BPM
Mysore VāsudēvācārPost-Trinity — Mysore court composer · 1 kṛti
- Sukhi Evvarō · Rūpaka Tāla · 88 BPM
Oottukkādu Vēṅkaṭa KaviPre-Trinity — Dance composition master · 1 kṛti
- Alaipāyudē Kaṇṇā · Ādi Tāla · 84 BPM
Tip: open the raga × composer cross-search on /composers to explore any other raga.
Similar ragas
No Parijat notes for this raga yet — the catalog covers 77 of 81 living ragas.