What scale or mode is predominantly used in Indian South Asian music?

Indian classical music is predominantly based on the concept of ragas, which are melodic frameworks that define a set of notes and their relationships to each other. Ragas are not scales in the Western sense but rather melodic structures with specific characteristics, such as the use of specific notes, intervals, and melodic phrases.

In Indian South Asian music, there are several important ragas that are commonly used. Some of the most prominent ragas include:

- Hindustani Classical Music:

- Bilawal: This is one of the most fundamental ragas in Hindustani classical music. It is a pentatonic scale that uses the notes Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, and Dha.

- Yaman: Another essential raga, Yaman, is a heptatonic scale with the notes Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, and Ni.

- Darbari Kanada: This raga is known for its pathos and is often used in melancholic compositions. It is a hexatonic scale with the notes Sa, Re, Ma, Pa, Dha, and Ni.

- Carnatic Classical Music:

- Shankarabharanam: A popular raga in Carnatic music, Shankarabharanam, is a heptatonic scale with the notes Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Da, and Ni.

- Mohanam: This raga is known for its beautiful melodies and is often used in light classical compositions. It is a pentatonic scale with the notes Sa, Ga, Ma, Pa, and Dha.

- Kalyani: Kalyani is a majestic and uplifting raga that is frequently used in festive and celebratory compositions. It is a heptatonic scale with the notes Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Da, and Ni.

These ragas are just a few examples of the many that are used in Indian South Asian music. Each raga has its unique melodic characteristics, moods, and traditional uses.