Question

Swaramela Kalanidhi is authored by ______.

• A. Bharata
• B. Sarangadeva
• C. Ramamathya
• D. Venkatamakhi

Hint:

Ramamathya wrote Swaramela Kalanidhi—an early work on raga classification during the Vijayanagara period.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Swaramela Kalanidhi is an important treatise on Carnatic music theory authored by Ramamathya during the 16th century in the Vijayanagara Empire. It focuses on:

Classification of ragas and melas.
Evolution of the melakarta system in its early form.
Emphasis on practical musical application rather than purely theoretical models.
Significance:

It provides a precursor framework to the later 72 melakarta system.
Ramamathya's classification was based on graha, amsa, nyasa, and other raga features.
\medskip Explanation of Other Options:

(A) Bharata: Author of Natya Shastra.
(B) Sarangadeva: Author of Sangeetha Ratnakara.
(D) Venkatamakhi: Formulated the 72 Melakarta raga scheme.