Sargam
/ˈsɑːr.ɡəm/noun
The Indian system of naming musical notes, especially the syllables sa, re, ga, ma, pa, dha, and ni.
Did you know?Sargam’s note names are traditionally linked to Sanskrit musical theory, where sound was treated not merely as entertainment but as an organized, potentially transformative force.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*swer-
“To speak, sound, or make an audible utterance; a proposed ancestral root connected with Sanskrit svara.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
svara
“Sound, tone, musical note, or vocal intonation.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
grāma
“A group, collection, or organized series; in music, a scale or tonal arrangement.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
svaragrāma
“A musical scale or organized group of tones.”
Medieval Indo-Aryan
Prakrit/Hindustani
sargam
“A shortened or transformed form referring to the named sequence of musical notes.”
Modern English
English
sargam
“The Indian solfège system, commonly represented by sa, re, ga, ma, pa, dha, ni.”