Glossary · glossary · 1 min read
Samvadi
संवादी; the second note
Samvadi is the second most important note in a raga, a melodic framework in Indian classical music. In Raga Bhoop, Dha is the samvadi and Ga is the vadi, the most important note.
By SJN, Founder, BeatRootRaga · Reviewed by BRR · Last reviewed 27 Sept 2026
What does samvadi mean?
Samvadi is the second most important note in a raga, a melodic framework in Indian classical music. It comes after the vadi, the most important note. The two notes have different roles: musicians give the samvadi weight but rest on the vadi.
Think of a question and its reply. The vadi and samvadi answer each other in this way, which is what the word samvadi means. Their relationship is not just about which note ranks first or second.
An example of samvadi and where to read more
In Raga Bhoop, Ga is the vadi, the most important note, and Dha is the samvadi, the second most important note. A raga is a melodic framework for creating pieces and inventing melody during performance. Here, Ga and Dha answer each other like a question and its reply.
This is one example, not the full explanation of samvadi. For that, follow the linked BeatRootRaga learning page. For more about this example’s melodic framework, read Raga Bhoop (Mohanam).
Keep going
- What is a raga? A plain-language guide for listeners · A raga is a melodic framework in Indian classical music for creating pieces and inventing melody during performance. Listen for four things: which notes appear, how the melody moves, where the musician lingers, and which short phrases return.
- Raga Bhoop (Mohanam) · Bhoop, or Bhoopali, is a raga (melodic framework) using Sa, Re, Ga, Pa and Dha; Mohanam shares its notes, but uses Carnatic phrasing and ornaments. An evening raga with a calm, devotional mood, Bhoop is often taught early; hear its character through Ga Re Sa and Dha Pa Ga.