Melody

 As Indian music has only split off into two different traditions recently, many parts of these styles share similarities. In this case, the melody used is quite similar as both use the raga system. In the case of Carnatic music, there are 72 major melodies which are constructed from a number of notes based on set rules. These rules not only control what notes can be used and what notes may be sung together. It is due to this that Carnatic music can be seen as much more formal and structured than its counterpart.

Each of these major melodies, known as janaka raagam, can have their own minor melodies which are known as janya raagam. Where they differ is in their size, with the minor melody being a subset of the notes chosen for the major melody.


72 major melodies of carnatic music


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History of Carnatic Music

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  Indian Classical music is as vast as the subcontinent itself, and amongst that vastness, two traditions have distinguished themselves as key to the music of India. From the north, comes Hindustani music and from the south comes Carnatic music. Where its counterpart was influenced by music of Persia, Carnatic music kept its original style, with hints of southern Indian folk music. Through the more recent centuries, it was practiced by the local kings of Mysore, as well as court-musicians such as Veena Sheshanna. Despite the centuries that have passed, Carnatic music can still be found today in the south Indian states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. However, Carnatic music is not solely contained to the south, and can be found wherever south Indian communities may be.  Map of India with Andhra Pradesh,  Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu highlighted. 
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