राल
rāla
The Sanskrit word for pitch (perceived frequency of a sound or note) is राल (rāla).
राल refers to the perceived frequency of a sound or note.
Meaning: perceived frequency of a sound or note (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
rāla
Did you know?
- The perception of pitch in Sanskrit chanting is so critical that changing the pitch of a single syllable in a Vedic hymn can completely change its meaning or render it spiritually void.
- Sanskrit texts on music, such as the Natyashastra, categorize pitch through a complex system of 22 shrutis or microtones, which are intervals much smaller than the semi-tones used in Western music.
- The Natyashastra describes pitch not just as a sound frequency but as a tool to evoke specific emotional states called rasas in the listener.
Example conversation
Two friends are practicing music together.
- आदित्य Adityaकाव्ये, किम् एषा नौका रालेन लिप्ता?kāvye, kim eṣā naukā rālena liptā?Kavya, is this boat coated with pitch?
- काव्या Kavyaन आदित्य, रालः अद्यापि उष्णः अस्ति।na āditya, rālaḥ adyāpi uṣṇaḥ asti.No, Aditya, the pitch is still hot.
- आदित्य Adityaशीतलः भूत्वा किं जलं निवारयिष्यति?śītalaḥ bhūtvā kiṃ jalaṃ nivārayiṣyati?Once it cools, will it keep the water out?
- काव्या Kavyaआम्, रालः नौकां जलात् रक्षति।ām, rālaḥ naukāṃ jalāt rakṣati.Yes, pitch protects the boat from water.
