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Carnatic music, rooted in ancient Dravidian culture, has evolved over a thousand years, initially expressing emotions through ragas and later becoming a tool for cultural and religious expression during the Bhakti movement. The 'Trinity of Carnatic Music' in the 18th-19th centuries established the concert structure still used today, while Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar in the 20th century formalized concert formats. Today, Carnatic music is adapting to new audiences through fusion and innovation, balancing tradition with modern influences.

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10 views2 pages

Script

Carnatic music, rooted in ancient Dravidian culture, has evolved over a thousand years, initially expressing emotions through ragas and later becoming a tool for cultural and religious expression during the Bhakti movement. The 'Trinity of Carnatic Music' in the 18th-19th centuries established the concert structure still used today, while Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar in the 20th century formalized concert formats. Today, Carnatic music is adapting to new audiences through fusion and innovation, balancing tradition with modern influences.

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bwppwbxbht
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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I'm going to walk you through a fascinating journey—the evolution of Carnatic music, one

of India’s richest and most complex classical art forms.

Let’s start with the big picture. Think of Carnatic music as something that has evolved—not
unlike a language or a living culture. It all began over a thousand years ago, with deep roots
in the daily lives of the ancient Dravidian people. Early literary works like Cilappatikaram
actually mention ragas and mood associations, which is quite amazing when you think
about how advanced that system was even back then.

So even in ancient times, they had emotional associations with ragas

And that concept—using ragas to express emotions—is still central to both Carnatic and
Hindustani traditions today.

Over time, especially from the 5th century onward, we see a big shift. Music becomes
more devotional with the Bhakti movement. Saints like the Nayanmars and Alwars
composed thousands of hymns that are still performed—like Tevarams and Tiruppavai.
These weren’t just spiritual; they were a cultural response to Buddhism and Jainism, which
were dominant at the time.

So Carnatic music was also a tool of cultural expression and religious revival.

It wasn’t just entertainment. It was how communities preserved identity, shared devotion,
and passed on values.

Fast forward to the 18th–19th centuries, and we meet the 'Trinity of Carnatic Music'—
Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri. Their contributions gave us the
concert structure we still use today. Their disciples kept the tradition alive, mostly through
oral transmission.

And other regions also have similar figures

Kerala had Swathi Thirunal, Karnataka had Purandara Dasa, and Tamil Nadu had the Tamil
Trinity—Muttutandavar and others. All of them helped diversify the musical landscape.
Today, any Carnatic musician is expected to know and perform works from these
composers."

Now coming to the 20th century, one name stands out—Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar. He
literally reshaped how concerts are performed. Before him, concerts used to go on for
hours without much structure. He introduced a smart format—starting with a varnam, then
kritis, a central raga, tani avartanam, and lighter pieces to end.

So he formalized the experience for both performer and listener.

Even modern mini-concerts today follow this format, just in shorter timeframes. The
ensemble format—vocalist, violinist, mridangam, and optionally kanjira or ghatam—also
became the standard.

if we talk about the future Carnatic music is adapting to new audiences

While tradition is strong, some artists are now experimenting with fusion, thematic
concerts, and global collaborations. The challenge is balancing purity with innovation—but
it's already happening. The next stage may well be shaped by those who push the
boundaries respectfully.

So it’s not just about preserving the past, but evolving meaningfully.

You: "Exactly. Carnatic music isn’t static—it’s always responding to culture, audience, and
technology. And that’s what makes it such a living.

So, whether we a musician, researcher, or just a curious listener, understanding this


journey helps us appreciate not just the music, but the people and stories behind it.

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