Question
Which one of the following Carnatic music ragas is similar to Raga Bilawal in Hindustani music?
Explanation
Indian classical music is broadly divided into the Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian) traditions. Despite differences in style and ornamentation, several foundational scales have close equivalents in the Hindustani Thaat system, codified by V.N. Bhatkhande, and the Carnatic Melakarta system.
Dheera Shankarabharanam — Correct
Dheera Shankarabharanam is a fundamental Melakarta raga using all natural (shuddha) notes. Its closest Hindustani equivalent is the Bilawal Thaat, particularly Raga Bilawal. Both correspond to the Western Major Scale (Ionian mode).
Nat Bhairavi — Incorrect
Nat Bhairavi corresponds to the Asavari Thaat in Hindustani music.
Kamavardhini — Incorrect
Also known as Pantuvarali, Kamavardhini corresponds broadly to the Poorvi Thaat in Hindustani music, with similarities to Raga Puriya Dhanashree.
Hanumatodi — Incorrect
Often simply called Todi in Carnatic music, Hanumatodi corresponds to the Bhairavi Thaat in Hindustani music. It should not be confused with Hindustani Todi, which has a different tonal structure and corresponds to Carnatic Shubhapantuvarali.