Dhaivata

Dhaivata, also spelled Dhaivat, is the sixth of the seven svar or notes in Indian classical music. In both Hindustani and Carnatic systems, the octave comprises Sa (Shadja), Re (Rishabh), Ga (Gandhar), Ma (Madhyam), Pa (Pancham), Dhaivata, and Ni (Nishad). Dhaivata provides the sixth degree of the scale; its absolute pitch depends on the chosen tonic (sa). For example, if Sa is C, Dhaivata is A.

In notation, Dhaivata is represented by the syllable Dha within the solfege sequence S R G M P D N. In performance, ragas establish characteristic relationships between Dhaivata and the other notes, and the note may be emphasized or ornamented according to the raga’s rules. Some ragas emphasize Dhaivata as a resting tone or pivot, while others use it more in melodic phrases or ornamentation.

The concept of Dhaivata remains central to scale construction and melodic development in Indian music, while the exact intonation and usage vary between Hindustani and Carnatic traditions, as well as among individual musicians and compositions. The term derives from traditional Indian music theory and continues to be standard terminology in pedagogy and performance.