Glossary of Carnatic Music Terms

Welcome to our Carnatic Music Glossary. This resource is designed to help you understand the key terms and concepts in Carnatic music.

A

• Alaap: An improvised section that introduces the raga, typically performed at the beginning of a composition.
• Anupallavi: The second section of a kriti (composition), following the pallavi.

B

• Bhava: The emotion or mood conveyed in a musical piece.

C

• Charanam: The third section of a kriti, following the anupallavi.

G

• Gamaka: Oscillation between notes, an essential ornamental technique in Carnatic music.

K

• Kriti: A common compositional form in Carnatic music, typically consisting of pallavi, anupallavi, and charanam.

L

• Laya: Rhythm or tempo in music.

M

• Manodharma Sangeetham: The art of musical improvisation in Carnatic music.

N

• Niraval: A form of improvisation where variations are sung on a specific line of the composition.

P

• Pallavi: The first and main section of a kriti.

R

• Raga: A melodic framework for improvisation and composition in Indian classical music.

S

• Shruti: The smallest tonal interval that can be perceived.
• Swara: A note in the octave.

T

• Tala: The rhythmic cycle or metre in Carnatic music.
• Thanam: A form of improvisation using syllables.

V

• Varnam: A compositional form used as a warm-up piece and to showcase the main features of a raga.

This glossary is continually updated. If you have suggestions for additional terms, please contact us.