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Pakad has been variously translated as motif, catch phrase, defining phrase
or characteristic pattern of a raga.
The PAKAD of a raga is a group of notes, or a group of phrases of notes,
which bring out the most characteristic expression of that raga. The word
"pakad" means 'the catch', 'the grip'; it 'catches' the atmosphere of the
raga; it gives us a grip on how to best represent the raga.
A pakad has the potential to illustrate the grammar and aesthetics of a
raga. Thus, it may include the vadi, and/or samvadi of a raga. it also may
illustrate the anga (poorvanga, the lower tetrachord, or uttaranga, the
upper tetrachord) in which a raga is more extensively elaborated. In fact
the anga (tetrachord) which dominates the improvisation, and the time at
which a raga is performed, are both determined by the location of the vadi:
If the vadi of a raga is situated in the poorvanga (lower tetrachord), (i)
that raga is dominated by development in the mandra-madhya saptaka
(lower-middle octave); (ii) that raga is performed at any time EXCEPT
morning. Conversely, if the vadi of a raga is situated in the uttaranga
(upper tetrachord), (i) that raga is dominated by development in the
taar-madhya saptaka (upper-middle octave); (ii) that raga is performed in
the morning. These are, of course, guiding generalisations. Note that vadi
and samvadi are never located in the same anga (tetrachord).
Further, the pakad of a raga often illustrates the order in which the notes
are taken. It also may demonstrate the emphasis on certain notes.
EXAMPLE:-
Raga Yaman
Pakad: 'N-R-G-M-P, R-G-R, 'N-R-S (three phrases of note-groups)
Yaman data:- vadi G, samvadi N, important anuvadi P; it is NOT sung in
the morning (so, it is poorvanga-pradhan, and has its vadi in
poorvanga); the note Sa is omitted when ascending. It aptly
illustrates the important "aesthetic jump" from Pa to Re.
Question:- Are the details about Yaman, given above, illustrated by the
pakad? The answer, clearly, is Yes.
There are certain features NOT demonstrated by the pakad. For
example, the pakad does not illustrate the fact that Yaman omits the note Pa
in ascending: It goes like 'N-R-G-M-D-N etc. Such details can be included
in a more comprehensive format like the chalan. Pakad is shorter than
chalan (outline). Chalan is more expanded, being designed to illustrate the
movement of the raga in all three octaves.
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