Classification of Swaras

Swaras (Notes) can be generally classified as

•  Prakrithi swaras or Natural notes
•  Vikruthi swaras or Artificial notes

Prakrithi Swaras:

   Swaras which have only their allotted keynote/tone(Sruthi) without any are referred as prakrithi swaras.  They are

•   Shatjam (Sa)
•   Panchamam (Pa)

Vikruthi Swaras:

     Swaras which have their keynote(sruthi) with the features of the nearby swaras' keynote are referred as vikruthi swaras. They are

•   Rishabam (Ri)
•   Gandharam (Ga)
•   Madhyamam (Ma)
•   Dhaivatham ( Da)
•   Nishadam (Ni)