Concept of 'Mela raga' classification appeared in which period?

Correct option is C

Correct Option: c)
The Mela system is a comprehensive theoretical framework for classifying ragas in Indian classical music based on their parent scale.
Information Booster:
· The correct answer is Medieval period.
· The concept of the Mela system crystallized and was formally documented during the medieval period of Indian music history.
· The most significant contribution was made by Pundarika Vittala (16th century) in his work 'Raga Manjari', where he described Melas using Sanskrit note names.
· This system was later perfected in the Carnatic music tradition by Venkatamakhin in the 17th century through his 72 Mela (Melakarta) scheme, which is the definitive system used today.
· This period was marked by a move from descriptive to highly systematic, scale-based classification.
Additional Knowledge:
· Vedic Period: Music was primarily liturgical and melodic (Samagana), with no formal raga or mela classification.
· Ancient Period (Post-Vedic, up to ~1200 CE): Texts like Bharata's Natyashastra and Matanga's Brihaddeshi discussed scales (grama, murchhana) and the emergence of raga concepts, but not the structured Mela system.
· Modern Period (Post-18th century): The Mela system was already established.
· This period saw its refinement, widespread adoption, and application in both Hindustani (as the Thaat system simplified it) and Carnatic music.