The raga system of Carnatic Music is based on the 72 Melakarta Scheme devised by Venkitamakhi. The total number of swaras in Melakarta are 16. But in all other systems of Music the total number of swaras are 12.
I have been teaching syllabus of Madras University since 8 years. Interestingly, in the Melakarta System of Madras University syllabus, the scheme has only 32 ragas. The first Melakarta Raga is Hanumatodi and the 32nd is Mechakalyani. In short, the Melakarta Scheme, as per Madras University syllabus, do not have the Vivadi ragas!!! The students are just taught the basic structure of 72 Melakarta Scheme.
Why are Vivadi ragas excluded in the Raga system of Madras University? Isn’t it imperative to include all the Vivadi ragas? I personally feel that the full gamut of 72 Melakarta Ragas should be in the syllabus in all universities where degree courses in Carnatic Music are taught.
narayanan.desamangalam 