How many swaras (Shuddha and Vikrit) are there in Indian music?

Correct option is D

Correct Answer: (D) Twelve
Explanation:
→ In Indian music, there are a total of 12 swaras which include both Shuddha (natural) and Vikrit (altered) swaras. These swaras are the foundation of Indian classical music.
→ These 12 swaras are classified into 7 Shuddha (natural) swaras and 5 Vikrit (altered) swaras. The 7 Shuddha swaras are:
Sa (Shadja)
Re (Rishabh)
Ga (Gandhar)
Ma (Madhyam)
Pa (Pancham)
Dha (Dhaivat)
Ni (Nishad)
→ The 5 Vikrit swaras are derived by modifying the natural swaras with sharps or flats to create sharp ( Tivra) and flat ( Komal) variations. These modifications result in swaras such as:
Komal Re (flat Rishabh)
Tivra Ma (sharp Madhyam)
Komal Ga (flat Gandhar)
Komal Dha (flat Dhaivat)
Komal Ni (flat Nishad)
→ These swaras form the basis of both ragas and melodies in Indian classical music.
Information Booster:
→ The 12 swaras are the building blocks of the Indian musical scale and are used in both Carnatic and Hindustani classical music.
→ The Tivra Ma (sharp Madhyam) is the only swara that is sharp in nature, while all the others can be natural or flat.
→ The Swara system is integral to understanding Indian ragas and how they convey different moods and emotions through music.
→ Shuddha swaras are the pure, natural notes, whereas Vikrit swaras add depth and variety to melodies by introducing alterations.
→ This system is foundational to the 12-pitch octave in Indian classical music, with each raga incorporating different combinations and variations of these swaras.