dhaivatham

Dhaivatham, also spelled Dhaivatam, is the sixth swara (note) in the Indian classical music system, and in Carnatic music it sits between the Panchama (Pa) and Nishadam (Ni) in the octave. Relative to the tonic Sa, dhaivatham represents the sixth scale degree and is typically the major sixth above the tonic. Its exact pitch varies with the chosen tonic, so in Indian solfege it is described in relation to Sa.

In Carnatic practice, dhaivatham is realized in several microtonal variants (often denoted as D1, D2, D3 in formal notation), corresponding to different positions within the octave. The choice of variant and the gamakas applied to dhaivatham depend on the raga and the melodic phrase; the note can be rendered with a straight strike or with expressive ornamentation.

Dhaivatham is a common feature in many ragas and is used in both ascent and descent of scales as required by melodic grammar. It features prominently in some ragas where the interval between Pa and Dha is emphasized, and it may be omitted or altered in other ragas.

In Western terms, dhaivatham corresponds to the note A with Sa as C if the tonic is C, but its absolute pitch is always relative to the tonic. The concept of dhaivatham is foundational to the understanding of the Carnatic scale and melodic syntax.

See also: Svara, Raga, Shruti, Carnatic music.