Question

Explain the terms Vajra raga and Vakra raga along with suitable examples.

Hint:

Vajra = omitted notes; Vakra = zig-zag order. Mohanam is Vajra; Ritigoula is Vakra.

Answer 1

In Carnatic music, both Vajra and Vakra ragas describe how swaras (notes) appear in the raga structure. Vajra Raga: A raga that omits one or more swaras in the Arohanam (ascent), Avarohanam (descent), or both. These are typically varja (note-omitted) ragas and can be:

Audava – 5 notes
Shadava – 6 notes
Audava–Shadava, etc.
Examples:

Mohanam: Audava–Audava; omits Ma and Ni.
Hamsadhwani: Omits Ma and Da.
Vakra Raga: A raga that uses zig-zag (non-linear) movement of notes either in Arohanam or Avarohanam or both. Vakra prayogas introduce aesthetic beauty and identity. Examples:

Kedaragoula: Vakra in Avarohanam.
Ritigoula: Vakra in both Arohanam and Avarohanam (Ubhaya Vakra).
Key Difference:

Vajra: Omits swaras
Vakra: Includes all swaras, but in zig-zag pattern