Carnatic music is famous in the southern states of India - Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Purandaradasa (1480-1564) is considered to be the father of Carnatic music. Carnatic music is accompanied by instruments such as the flute, veena, nadaswaram, mridangam, and ghatam. In this article, we will learn about Carnatic music which is essential from the perspective of UPSC preparation.

What is Carnatic Music?

• The Carnatic branch composes music in the traditional octave.
• The music is kriti-based, with an emphasis on the saahitya or lyric quality of the musical piece.
• The Kriti is a highly developed musical song set to a specific raga and tala (rhythmic cycle).
• Every composition in the Carnatic style is made up of several parts: Pallavi, Anu Pallavi, Varnam and Ragamalika.
• Other elements of Carnatic music include the Swara-Kalpana, which is an improvised section performed with the drummer at medium and fast tempos.
• Mridangam is commonly used in Carnatic music.
• 'Thanam' is a piece of melodic improvisation in free rhythm with mridangam. However, those pieces that lack a mridangam are referred to as 'Ragam.'

Features of Carnatic Music

• The grand theorist of Carnatic music is Venkatamakhi.
• Purandar Dasas is credited with the development of Carnatic music.
• It has a homogenous Indian tradition to it and is composed of ragam and talam.
• It gained prominence in southern states of India such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh due to the presence of a strong Dravidian culture.
• There is the absence of a Gharana system in Carnatic style of music as was seen in Hindustani music.
• There is the increased scope of improvisation for instance Alapana, Niraval, Kalpnaswaram.
• Ragams are categorized into various modes called mela which are 72 in number.
• It is based on a kriti system mixing together the three degrees of speeds.
• It involves the Melakarta scheme which is a comprehensive system that includes ancient and modern modes of music from different parts of the world.

Parts of Carnatic Music

Every composition in the Carnatic style is made up of several parts:

Pallavi

• It refers to the first or second thematic lines of the composition.
• This section is frequently repeated in each stanza.
• This is regarded as the 'Piece de Resistance,' or the best part of the Carnatic composition known as 'Ragam Thanam Pallavi,' in which the artist has a lot of room for improvisation.

Anu Pallavi

• The Pallavi or first line is followed by two lines called Anu Pallavi.
• It is sung at the start and sometimes at the end of the song, but it is not necessary to sing it after each stanza or Charanam.

Varnam

• This is the piece that is usually sung at the start of a recital. This reveals the recital's raga to the audience.
• It is further divided into two halves: Purvanga (the first half) and Uttaranga (the second half).

Ragamalika

• This is usually the final section of the performance. This is an extremely important part because the soloist is free to improvise.
• However, at the end of the composition, all artists must return to the original theme.

Trinity of Carnatic Music

Sri Shyama Shastri (1763-1827 AD)

• Most of his work was in praise of mother Goddess Kamakshi of Kanchi. He composed three Swarajatis which are also known as three gems.
• He is also credited with composing 9 kritis on Meenakshi of Madurai, known as Navaratnamalika.
• He also used many rare ragas in his work such as Manji, Ahiri, Kalgada, Chintamani, etc.
• He is considered to be the architect of swarajati musical forms, of which three famous include Bhairabi, Yadukulakambodhi and Todi
• Some of the common ragas used by him are Manji, Chintamani, Kalagada and Karnataka Kapi.

Sri Tyagaraya (1767-1847 AD)

• He extensively used ragas. Most of his Kritis were in Telugu, few others were also in Sanskrit.
• He is credited with composing several Samudaya Kritis (Group Kritis) such as Ghana Raga Pancharatna, kritis and also other Pancha ratna groups like, Kovur, Lalgudi, Tiruvattiyur and Srirangam Pancharatna.
• He was a great devotee of Lord Rama and wrote around 24,000 songs and musicals in his praise.
• His musical innovations include use of structured variation of musical lines within the performance by use of improvisation techniques.

Muthuswami Dikshitar (1775-1835 AD)

• He was a Sri Vidya upasaka. Most of his kritis were on devi.
• He is credited with composing innumerable Shaivite and Vaishnavite deities.
• His compositions included elaborate descriptions of Hindu gods, temples, capturing raga forms through a characteristic style of playing veena.
• Most of his compositions were in sanskrit. However, some of his compositions were composed in Manipravalam which is a combination of Sanskrit and Tamil languages.

Various Compositions in Carnatic Music

• Kriti - It is a highly evolved musical form. It showcases the longer format of carnatic music and constitutes its mental backbone
• Pallavi - It allows improvisation in music and is the most creative form of Carnatic music. Musicians can display creative talents and also musical intelligence.
• Kirtanam - It has devotional content to it due to Bhakti bhava. It is generally practiced in individual presentations.
• Jatiswaram - It involves the use of rhythmic and jati patterns. It belongs to abhyasa ganam and is taught after gitas.It has only swaras and no sahityas.
• Varnam - It consists of many swara groups called varnas. It showcases specific phrases and melodious movements of raga and is performed during the initial phase of the concert.
• Suladi - It has various sections on different talas. It is a talamalika in which various sections include various talas. It includes lesser sahitya syllables as compared to gitam.
• Gitam - These are the simplest forms with the easy flow of ragas. It is sung without repetition from beginning till the end and includes devotional themes in praise of various musical luminaries.
• Svarajati - It has a devotional, heroic theme to it and consists of three sections called Pallavi, Anupallavi and Charnam. Syama Sastri was one of its famous proponents

Conclusion

Carnatic music has a global presence growing under its traditional framework with a spiritual undercurrent. With high-performance standards and a well-organized theoretical foundation, it is on par with the world. .

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following is a prominent instrument in Carnatic music?

A) Tabla
B) Mridangam
C) Sitar
D) Sarangi

2. Who composed the famous kriti "Jagadananda Karaka"?

A) Muthuswami Dikshitar
B) Thyagaraja
C) Shyama Shastri
D) Swathi Thirunal

3. What does the term "raga" refer to in Carnatic music?

A) A rhythm cycle
B) A scale with specific notes and mood
C) A vocal ornament
D) A type of percussion instrument

4. Which of the following is a key feature of Carnatic music?

A) Fixed compositions
B) Extensive improvisation
C) Greater use of drones
D) Focus on instrumental music

5. What is the "Tala" in Carnatic music?

A) A type of raga
B) A percussion instrument
C) A rhythmic cycle
D) A vocal technique

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the role of Carnatic music in preserving Indian cultural heritage.

Answer: Carnatic music plays a crucial role in preserving India’s cultural heritage by maintaining centuries-old traditions of classical music. It reflects the rich spiritual and philosophical values of South India, with many compositions dedicated to Hindu gods and saints. The intricate structure of ragas and talas has been passed down through generations, preserving the traditional knowledge and artistry of the region. The role of Carnatic music in cultural preservation is also evident in its role in temple rituals, community festivals, and classical music concerts, where it remains an essential part of cultural expression and spiritual practice.

Q2: How does Carnatic music influence contemporary music in India and abroad?

Answer: Carnatic music has significantly influenced contemporary music in India, particularly in the fusion of classical and modern genres. Many contemporary musicians blend Carnatic ragas with popular music, creating innovative styles that appeal to modern audiences while maintaining classical integrity. Internationally, Carnatic music has also gained recognition through collaborations with Western classical music and jazz. Its impact is seen in music schools and festivals globally, where Carnatic music is taught and performed, fostering cross-cultural exchange and appreciation of Indian classical traditions.

Q3: Analyze the importance of raga and tala in shaping the structure of Carnatic music.

Answer: Raga and tala are the two pillars that define the structure of Carnatic music. A raga provides the melodic foundation, defining the sequence and relationship of notes used in a composition. Each raga is associated with a specific mood or emotion, and its performance is carefully structured to evoke these feelings. Tala, on the other hand, governs the rhythmic aspect of the music, offering a cyclic structure for timing and pacing. The combination of raga and tala creates a dynamic and intricate performance, where the melody and rhythm are interwoven to produce a harmonious and expressive musical experience.

Previous Year Questions on Carnatic Music

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Who is known as the father of Carnatic music?

A) Thyagaraja
B) Muthuswami Dikshitar
C) Shyama Shastri
D) Swathi Thirunal

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Thyagaraja is often referred to as the father of Carnatic music. His compositions, particularly his kritis, form a central part of the Carnatic music tradition.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2021 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Examine the role of Carnatic music in the cultural landscape of South India.

Answer: Carnatic music has been a central part of the cultural landscape of South India, serving both as a form of artistic expression and a means of religious devotion. It has been integral to temple rituals, festivals, and community gatherings. The compositions of renowned musicians like Thyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Shyama Shastri continue to influence modern Carnatic music and are widely performed. Additionally, Carnatic music has contributed to the spiritual and philosophical life of the region, with many compositions dedicated to Hindu deities, thus reinforcing cultural values and traditions across generations.