In the ancient period, the term “Swara” was associated with the recitation of the Vedas. Over time, the term is used to define the ‘note’ or ‘scale degree’ in a composition. In the Natyasastra, Bharata has divided the swaras into twenty-two notes scale.
Currently, the notational system of the Hindustani music is defined by these abbreviated swaras – Sa, re, ga, ma, pa, dha, ni. The Seven Swaras together are called Saptak or Sargam. He listed each pitch using the following names:
The Swara differs from Shruti. A Shruti is the smallest gradation of pitch representing the quality of frequency. There are 22 Shrutis. or microtones out of which only 12 are audible. These 12 are seven Suddha Swaras and five Vikrita Swaras.