How shifting the tonic (graha) of one raga generates entirely new ragas — with worked examples from Shankarabharanam and Mohanam
"Grahabedam (also spelled Graha Bhedam) means 'change of tonic'. By shifting the starting note (graha) of a raga to each of its component notes, we generate new ragas. Each shift produces a different set of intervals, and therefore a different raga."
This concept reveals the deep mathematical structure of the Carnatic raga system. A single raga contains within it the seeds of multiple other ragas — all related by the same set of intervals, but with different emotional characters depending on which note is treated as the tonic.
Shankarabharanam uses the notes S R₂ G₃ M₁ P D₂ N₃ — equivalent to the Western C major scale. Shifting the tonic to each of the 7 notes generates 7 different ragas (or Melakartas).
The original raga — no shift.
Shifting to R₂ gives Kharaharapriya (22nd Melakarta). The intervals change because R₂ is now the new S.
Shifting to G₃ gives Natabhairavi (20th Melakarta).
Shifting to M₁ gives Kalyani (65th Melakarta). Note the M₂ — this is because the interval from M₁ to P is a tritone, which becomes M₂ when M₁ is the new S.
Shifting to P gives Harikambhoji (28th Melakarta).
Shifting to D₂ gives Mechakalyani (65th Melakarta) — same as Kalyani.
Shifting to N₃ gives Todi (8th Melakarta).
Mohanam uses only 5 notes: S R₂ G₃ P D₂. Shifting the tonic to each of the 5 notes generates 5 different pentatonic ragas — all using the same 5 intervals but with completely different emotional characters.
The original raga.
Shifting to R₂ gives Hindolam — a completely different emotional character.
Shifting to G₃ gives Suddha Dhanyasi.
Shifting to P gives Hamsadhvani — same 5 notes, different tonic.
Shifting to D₂ gives Madhyamavati.
Understanding Grahabedam helps you: