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Vidya Bhavani Suresh decodes these aspects in her book Melakarthas - The Gems of Carnatic Music Part 2, a sequel to her first volume on Shuddha Madhyamam ragas. This second part is an analysis of the 36 ragas (prathimadhyamam) in terms of their ascent, descent, and distinct notes that establish the character of each of the ragas.

The book with a yellow cover has a caption that reads: ‘Ragas and places that speak to me’. It is packed with little stories and anecdotes to make it interesting for the readers. Grouping the ragas based on the chakras at the beginning of each section helps readers know what the subsequent chapters are about.

Apart from familiar ragas such as Simhendra madhyamam, Vachaspati and Subhapantuvarali, quite a few unfamiliar ones like Salagam, Divyamani, Syamalangi, Neetimati, and Sucharita, have also been included.

Vidya describes in detail the characteristics of rare ragas. For instance, in Salagam she explains the swarasthanas and how to perfect the notes MPDN to not to make it sound like Shanmukhapriya.

Similarly, she also elaborates on how the shuddha dhaivatam and kakali nishadam in Subhapantuvarali enhances its appeal. One must listen to GNB’s ‘Nee Samanamevaru’ in this raga, the 45th in the melakarta chart and third in the Vasu chakra, to understand the raga’s beauty.

Vidya mentions popular kritis and film songs for better understanding of each raga.