In Carnatic music, Sthai or Sthaayi refers to the octave.[1] Madhyamasthai refers to the middle octave, Tarasthai refers to the upper octave and Mandhrasthai refers to the lower octave. Sthai can be defined as the interval or span made up of shadja to nishabam in Indian Music.
The Five types of Sthayi are:
| Name of Sthayi | Octave | Method of Denoting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anumandra Sthayi | 2 octaves below | Two dots below the Swara | |
| Mandara Sthayi | Lower octave | One dot below the Swara | |
| Madhya Sthayi | Middle octave | Swara with no dots | |
| Thara Sthayi | Higher octave | One dot above the Swara | |
| Ati Thara Sthayi | 2 Octaves above | Two dots above the Swara |