school The Wonder of Modal Shift (Sruthibhedam)
Grahabedham (literally 'shift of tonic') is the intellectual pinnacle of Carnatic music theory. It occurs when a performer takes any note other than the original Shadjam as the new tonic (Adhara Sa) while retaining the identical physical pitches of the parent scale.
When the tonic shifts, the intervals between the notes transform relative to the new Sa, conjuring a completely new raga out of thin air.
The Classic Mohanam Cycle: Starting from Mohanam (S - R2 - G3 - P - D2 - S):
When the tonic shifts, the intervals between the notes transform relative to the new Sa, conjuring a completely new raga out of thin air.
The Classic Mohanam Cycle: Starting from Mohanam (S - R2 - G3 - P - D2 - S):
- Shift Sa to R2 → Generates Madhyamavati (S R2 M1 P N2 S)
- Shift Sa to G3 → Generates Hindolam (S G2 M1 D1 N2 S)
- Shift Sa to P → Generates Suddha Saveri (S R2 M1 P D2 S)
- Shift Sa to D2 → Generates Udayaravichandrika / Shuddha Dhanyasi (S G2 M1 P N2 S)