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The Melakartha ragas are 72 in total. They are arranged in a specific order. Carnatic Music lovers and students get introduced to Melakartha ragas through multiple ways. Sometimes, they are exposed to songs in a particular Melakartha, and are told that there is a number associated with it. Sometimes, they hear a song in a popular janya, and are once again introduced to a Melakartha as being the parent raga, and told its corresponding number. But beyond that, the significance of the number can be hard to grasp, and many listeners and students think it is far beyond their reach. This book aims to bridge that gap of understanding. It gives a comprehensive understanding of the concept of the Melakartha scheme introduces every single Melakartha raga in great detail explains the connection between the raga's name and number simplifies the complex system of Vivadi ragas.

This volume takes the reader through the first 36 ragas. Ragas 37 to 72 are covered in the second part.

My younger daughter, Harshitha Suresh, a writer in her own right, was introduced to you last year through Harshi's Carnatic Nook, an independent segment in our previous title, FAQs on Carnatic Music. This year, she has taken on a different and bigger role: that of the Joint Editor. She has brought to the table, her unique perception and vision, which I am sure has infused a new texture and vibrance into the present title.

A mammoth work introducing every Melakartha, this book is perhaps the first of its kind, and I am very glad that Skanda Publications has been able to do it, the pandemic-related challenges notwithstanding. It's truly another milestone for Skanda. I really hope you enjoy reading this book.

When Vidya wrote Maths in Music and Dance, I thought it was her best work. When so Rare Ragas of Carnatic Music came out subsequently. I thought she had surpassed that benchmark and set higher standards. But with this work, she has exhibited such high levels of musical expertise and writing flair that this may be her magnum opus.