Carnatic music
The classical music tradition of South India, one of the oldest and most sophisticated musical systems in the world.
In Depth
Carnatic music is built on a system of 72 parent scales (melakarta ragas) from which hundreds of derivative ragas are generated. It emphasises vocal music, with instruments imitating the voice. Compositions are central, with improvisation occurring within and around composed structures. Key elements include raga (melodic framework), tala (rhythmic cycle), and structured improvisational forms like alapana, niraval, and kalpanaswaram. Tyagaraja, Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri are the revered trinity of composers.
Carnatic music has been transmitted in an unbroken guru-student lineage for over 2,000 years, making it one of the longest continuous musical traditions in human history.