Sargam in Indian classical music is the system of naming and vocalizing the musical notes (swaras), similar to solfège (Do-Re-Mi) in Western music.
Meaning of “Sargam”:
The word Sargam is derived from the first four notes of the Indian scale:
- Sa (षड्ज – Shadja)
- Re (ऋषभ – Rishabh)
- Ga (गान्धार – Gandhar)
- Ma (मध्यम – Madhyam)
These are followed by:
- Pa (पञ्चम – Pancham)
- Dha (धैवत – Dhaivat)
- Ni (निषाद – Nishad)
The full sequence:
- Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni, Sa (ascending)
- Sa, Ni, Dha, Pa, Ma, Ga, Re, Sa (descending)
These notes are collectively called the Saptak (meaning “set of seven”).
Uses of Sargam:
- Vocal exercises – like alankars (patterns) for practice.
- Teaching and learning compositions and ragas.
- Improvisation – used in alap and sargam taans.
- Notation – to write down compositions using these syllables.
Types of Notes:
- Shuddha (pure) – basic form of the note
- Komal (flat) – Re, Ga, Dha, Ni can be flat
- Tivra (sharp) – Ma can be sharp
- Sa and Pa are fixed – they are always shuddha
Example of Sargam Practice:
A basic exercise might go:
- Sa Re Ga Ma | Ma Ga Re Sa
- Re Ga Ma Pa | Pa Ma Ga Re
(Practiced with different rhythms and speeds)
In essence, Sargam is both a method and a tool in Indian classical music that helps musicians internalize and perform ragas, develop voice or instrumental control, and communicate musical ideas clearly.
