सप्तक

Saptak

The octave in Indian music, divided into three registers: mandra, madhya, and taar.

Theory

Description

Saptak literally means 'group of seven' and refers to the octave — the complete cycle of seven swaras from Sa to Ni and back to Sa. Three saptaks are commonly used: mandra (lower), madhya (middle), and taar (upper). A performer's ability to navigate all three saptaks with control and expression is an important measure of technical and musical maturity.

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