Nata (nāṭa), also known asNattai, is arāgam inCarnatic music (musical scale of South Indian classical music). It is ajanya rāgam (derived scale) from the 36thmelakarta scaleChalanata. It is ajanya scale, as it does not have all the sevenswaras (musical notes) in the descending scale. It is an auspicious raga, which is mostly sung in the early part of the concert.[1]
There is a raaga named Nata in Hindusthani music as well, and another raaga named Shuddha Nat. But they are sung rarely, and have no association with the Nattai of Carnatic Music.[2] The closest comparable raga to be the Hindustani equivalent of Carnatic Nattai, is the Raga "Jog", which is believed to be a derivative of theKafi Thaat.
Ascending scale withshadjam at C, which is same asChalanata scaleDescending scale withshadjam at C, which is same asGambhiranata scale
Nata is an asymmetric rāgam that does not containgandharam anddhaivatam in the descending scale. It is ansampurna-audava rāgam (orowdava rāgam, meaning pentatonic descending scale).[1][3] Itsārohaṇa-avarohaṇa structure (ascending and descending scale) is as follows:
It is avivadi raga. The notes used in this scale areshadjam, shatsruthi rishabham, antara gandharam, shuddha madhyamam, panchamam, shatsruthi dhaivatam andkakali nishadham in ascending scale, withdhaivatam andgandharam skipped in descending scale. For the details of the notations and terms, seeswaras in Carnatic music.
There are many compositions set toNata rāgam. Many compositions in praise of LordGanesha are set to this raga.[1] Here are some popularkritis composed in this ragam.
