Zigzag exercises — skip-and-return patterns in Māyāmālavagowla, Adi Tala — developing command of non-adjacent notes
"Dātu varishai: These are zigzag sequences that increase the students' overall command of notes. The principle explained in Sarali and Jantai varishais is applicable to all other exercises as well as compositions and improvisations."
The fundamental Dhatu pattern. Each note is doubled, then the phrase skips a third upward (or downward in descent). This creates the characteristic zigzag motion of Dhatu Varisai.
Dātu varishais are zigzag sequences that increase the students' overall command of notes. (PCM Book 1, p.9)
The zigzag skip is a third (e.g., S to M, skipping R and G). This trains the voice/instrument to navigate non-adjacent notes fluently. Keep the Janta character (sphuritam) on the doubled notes.
A more extended zigzag pattern covering wider intervals. The skip extends to a fourth or fifth in some phrases.
The principle of Dhatu varishai is applicable to all compositions and improvisations. (PCM Book 1, p.9)
This pattern skips a third and then returns to the adjacent note. The phrase S-M-G-R means: start on S, skip to M (a third up), come back to G (a step down), then R (a step down). This trains the ear to hear intervals clearly.
A compound zigzag that combines ascending and descending skips within the same phrase.
Dhatu varishais develop the student's overall command of notes and prepare them for raga improvisations. (PCM Book 1)
The compound zigzag pattern S-R-M-G means: S (start), R (step up), M (skip up a third), G (step down). This creates a wave-like motion that is characteristic of many Carnatic raga phrases.
The zigzag pattern reversed — each phrase starts with the skip and then returns to the adjacent note.
Dhatu varishais in both directions prepare the student for the full range of raga phrases. (PCM Book 1)
The reverse zigzag M-S-R-G means: M (start), S (skip down a third), R (step up), G (step up). This is the mirror image of Dhatu 3 and develops bidirectional agility.
The culminating Dhatu exercise. A full octave zigzag that covers all 8 notes with the characteristic skip pattern.
The Dhatu varishais culminate in the full octave zigzag, which is the most complete expression of the Dhatu principle. (PCM Book 1)
This is the most characteristic Dhatu pattern in Mayamalavagowla. The phrase S-M-R-G-P-G-M-D-N-D-P-Ṡ is a classic Carnatic melodic line. Practice it until it flows naturally.