The Origin and History of Carnatic Classical Music

Carnatic music, also referred to as Karnāṭaka saṃgīta or Karnāṭaka saṅgītam, is one of the two primary forms of Indian classical music, the other being Hindustani music. Carnatic music has a rich history and tradition rooted in the southern region of the Indian subcontinent, particularly the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. This complex system of music with its deeply philosophical base is recognized worldwide for its rhythmic intricacy, lyrical vibrancy, and melodic nuance.

The Origin and History of Carnatic Classical Music”

Origin

The origin of Carnatic music can be traced back to the age-old tradition of Vedic chanting, which predates even the written word. The four Vedas—Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda—form the bedrock of Indian philosophical and musical wisdom. Of these, the Samaveda is considered the “Veda of melodies” and is often credited with laying the foundation of Indian classical music.

The evolution of Carnatic music as we know it today was significantly influenced by the Bhakti (devotion) movement around the 6th – 9th centuries AD. The devotional hymns composed by the Alvars and Nayanmars, known as Divya Prabhandhams and Tevaram, respectively, added a lyrical richness to the music. These hymns composed in Tamil formed the early template for Carnatic music.

Evolution through the Ages

The Medieval period witnessed the consolidation and codification of the musical scales or melakarta, fundamental to the Carnatic music system. The music treatise “Sangeeta Ratnakara,” written by Sharngadeva in the 13th century, provided a comprehensive account of Indian music during this period. The systematic classification of ragas (melodic scales) and talas (rhythmic cycles) took shape during this time, providing a theoretical basis for Carnatic music’s evolution.

The Golden Age of Carnatic music is considered the period of the Trinity of Carnatic Music, comprising saint-composers Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri, in the late 18th to early 19th century. Their remarkable contributions, steeped in devotion and technical finesse, created a wealth of compositions that are the cornerstone of the Carnatic concert repertoire today.

Tyagaraja, best known for his compositions in Telugu, left behind a legacy of over 600 songs, often referred to as kritis, steeped in devotion to Lord Rama. Muthuswami Dikshitar’s contributions, meanwhile, were characterized by complex structures and meticulous adherence to the rules of grammar and composition. Syama Sastri, the oldest of the trinity, is known for his profound and emotionally charged compositions, primarily in praise of the goddess Kamakshi.

Impact of Royal Patronage

Carnatic music flourished under the patronage of various South Indian dynasties. The Vijayanagara Empire (14th to 17th century) was renowned for its cultural and artistic contributions, including music and dance. King Krishnadevaraya, one of the empire’s most famous rulers, was a great patron of the arts.

Later, during the 18th and 19th centuries, the Maratha rulers of Thanjavur, especially King Shahaji and King Tulaja, made significant contributions to the development and systematization of Carnatic music. This period also saw the proliferation of musical compositions in Telugu and Marathi.

The Influence of Saint Purandara Dasa

In the 15th-16th century, Saint Purandara Dasa, often hailed as the “Pitamaha” or the grand sire of Carnatic music, made remarkable contributions to this art form. He developed a systematic method of teaching Carnatic music, which is still in use today. His pedagogical system included a series of graded lessons such as sarali varisai (scalar exercises), janta varisai (exercises that require oscillation of voice between adjacent notes), and alankarams (exercises based on the seven basic talas). His compositions, often referred to as Devarnamas, blended musical aesthetics with philosophical ideals beautifully.

Modern Developments

The 20th century witnessed further growth and widespread recognition of Carnatic music. The establishment of the Madras Music Academy in 1927 marked a significant milestone in the promotion and preservation of Carnatic music. The Academy started the tradition of the annual Madras Music Season, which attracts artists and connoisseurs from across the world.

During this period, legendary Carnatic musicians like M.S. Subbulakshmi, G.N. Balasubramaniam, Madurai Mani Iyer, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, and others emerged. They expanded the audience for Carnatic music, while staying rooted in its classicism.

In recent years, Carnatic music has continued to evolve while maintaining its traditional roots. There is increasing cross-cultural exchange, with artists experimenting with fusion music, integrating Carnatic music with other music genres.

Carnatic music is a blend of ancient tradition and innovative adaptability. It is an intricate tapestry woven from the threads of history, culture, spirituality, and royal patronage. Its origin, evolution, and rich history are a testament to India’s vibrant cultural heritage. In today’s globalized world, it continues to thrive, evolve, and attract listeners from around the world, furthering India’s legacy of musical excellence.

The history of Carnatic music is much more than a chronicle of artistic development. It reflects a society’s spiritual aspirations, its philosophical profundity, and its cultural and intellectual sophistication. As we navigate the future of music, it is crucial to remember and respect this rich heritage and ensure that it continues to resonate in the hearts of future generations.