Kadanakutuhalam

Closest Western scale / mode

Ionian / major-related · zigzag ascent

With Sa = C: ascent C D F A B E G C; descent C B A G F E D C. A distinctive ascending sequence, not a plain major scale.

A pitch-set comparison, not an exact raga equivalence. Carnatic gamakas and characteristic phrases are not captured by a Western scale; acoustic piano cannot reproduce continuous pitch ornamentation.