Lalitha is a raga in Carnatic music (musical scale of South Indian classical music). It is a janya raga of Mayamalavagowla, the 15th Melakarta raga. It is closely related to Vasantha, as the two share many characteristic prayogas and have similar scales.[1] Lalitha is often used In Tamil film songs, especially by Ilayaraja who has composed five film songs based on this ragam.

Lalitha
ArohanamS R₁ G₃ M₁ D₁ N₃ 
Avarohanam N₃ D₁ M₁ G₃ R₁ S

Structure

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Lalitha is an asymmetric scale that does not contain panchamam. It is called a shadava raga structure is as follows (see swaras in Carnatic music for details on below notation and terms):

This scale uses the notes shadjam, shuddha rishabham, antara gandharam, shuddha madhyamam, shuddha dhaivatham and kakali nishadam.

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Lalitha has ample scope for alapana. This scale has been used by many composers for compositions in classical music. Here are some popular compositions in Lalitha.

Film Songs

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Language:Tamil

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Song Movie Composer Singer
Ithazhil Kathai Unnal Mudiyum Thambi Illayaraja S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chitra
Mathana Mohana Indru Poi Naalai Vaa Malaysia Vasudevan, S. P. Sailaja
Sengamalam Sirikuthu Dhavani Kanavugal S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
Vanakkuyile Kuyil Priyanka S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Thirumagal Vanaja Girija Arunmozhi

Notes

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  1. ^ Alternate notations:
    • Hindustani: S  G M  N 
    • Western: C D E F A B C
  2. ^ Alternate notations:
    • Hindustani:  N  M G  S
    • Western: C B A F E D C

References

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  1. ^ Sambamoorthy, Pichu (1938). South Indian Music Series. Indian Music Publishing House.