Raagas in Odissi Music can be divided into three major categories. There are some Raagas in Odissi music which are original and unique and are not found in the mainstream classical systems like Hindustani or Carnatic music. There are some other Raagas whose names are not similar but Swaras are similar with those in one or both the mainstream systems. Finally, there are some Raagas whose names are similar with the names of corresponding Raagas in one or both mainstream systems but Swaras are not similar.
Original Odissi Raagas
These Raagas are based on Udra tradition following Grama-Murchana theory but now-a-days these are being composed in Mela Padhati. Among the original Odissi Raagas are Raaga Abhiri, Raaga Karnata Abhirika, Raaga Kaushki, Raaga Nagadhyoni and Raaga Dhanyasika or Dhannasi.
Different Raaga name but same Swara
Raaga Sudha Kaushiki is included in this category. Raaga Malkaunsha of Hindustani music and Raaga Hindol of Carnatic music are very similar to this Odissi Raaga and their Swaras. There is no Sudha Kaushiki Raaga in any of the mainstream traditions. Apart from this, Raaga Kokila used in Odissi music is very similar to Hindustani`s Bhupali and Carnatic`s Mohana Raagas for its Swaras. However, the Chalana of Swaras and the Bhava of Raaga are very different from each other. There is no such Raaga by the name of` Kokil` in Hindustani music. In Carnatic music, although some forms with some affix like Kokiladhwani, Kokila pancham, Kokila ganclharva etc. are found simply `Kokila` is not found.
Same Raaga name but different Swaras
Raaga Todi or Soka Baradi is one such Raaga where the name of the Raaga is the same as in other mainstream traditions but the Swara is different. The modulation of Sivaras or intonation of Swaras of this Raaga is different in these three traditions. In Hindustani music, the seven Swaras are used but Rishava, Gandhar, Madhyam and Dhaivat Swaras are Vikrit Swaras. The Vikrit Swaras are same in both Odissi and Carnatic music but in Odissi music all Swaras are used. Another such Raaga is the Raaga Karnata. In this Raaga, the Nishad Swara is Vikrit and rest of the Swaras are Sudha. According to Swara Chalan, this Raaga is similar to Carnatic`s `Ishmanohari` of Harikombaji Mela and `Pahadi Kamodi` Raaga of Hindustan music. In Orissa, this Raaga is sometimes called Kandi, Karnat or Kanada. In Hindustani music, there is no Karnat Raaga but Darahari Kanada or Naiki Kanada etc. are not same as the Odissi Kanada. Odissi Kanada or Karnata is very similar with Hindustani Khamqja Thata`s Swara.
These discussed are therefore the major types of Raagas in Odissi Music. It may be mentioned here that among the original Raagas of Odissi Music which are still in use are Chandrakanta, Mohan Kalyan, Sudha Barata , Bakula Bharana, Soka baradi, Desha baradi, Ramkriya, Kalinga Gaud Gauri, Baradi todi, Bilahari, Deshakya, Dhanasri, Malvagauda, Kedargauda, Saberi, Mukhari, Chinta Kedar, Kedar Kamodi, Marga Bihag, Kalavati, Ahari, Malva, Bhopal (re, ga, dha swaras komal), Pattamanjari, Chakrabak (Ahir bhairava of Hindustani music), Slinghru madhyam, Sudha saberi, Malashri, Gauda, Kusum Kedar, Belabali, Shriranjani, Araui and Kambardhani.
