In Carnatic music, the 72 fundamental melakarta ragas are classified based on the arrangement of _____ notes.
- swara (musical)
- tala (rhythmic)
- laya (tempo)
- shruti (pitch)
Answer: swara (musical)
Melakarta ragas in Carnatic music are 72 parent scales classified by permutations of seven swaras (Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni). Each melakarta generates janya (derived) ragas, forming the theoretical foundation of Carnatic system.