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Languages
In
Carnatic music, all the South Indian languages have been used prolifically,
in addition to the ancient classical Indian language, Sanskrit. The Telugu
language has been especially widely used in the compositions. There is also
a wide repertoire in Tamil and Kannada, and a smaller range in Malayalam.
Occasionally, select songs in more northern languages like Marathi, Hindi
and Braj Bhasha have been incorporated into Carnatic music. This adds to the
rich variety of Carnatic music.
Religion
Though music, in general, transcends barriers like religion, caste,
creed, sex, language, etc., Carnatic music is strongly attached to and
influenced by Hinduism (the predominant religion in India from very
ancient times). The basic fact that many scholars have even attributed
the origin of music to the Gods (some to Brahma and others to Siva), or
to the Vedas, signifies the religious outlook. Besides this,
almost all the compositions by various great composers of different eras
are also in praise of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses. |
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Most of the composers led pious,
God-fearing lives, performing religious rituals while composing and singing
in praise of God to attain salvation. Carnatic music is deeply rooted in the
Indian thinking and the basic Indian faith and religion. This strongly
symbolises the traditional outlook.
Theme

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The
theme of South Indian classical music is to refine one’s soul and body
through discipline, and to make one sensitive to the infinite within
one, to unite one’s breath with the breath of space and to unite one’s
inner vibration with the vibration of the cosmos.
Carnatic music is considered spiritual and
one that can elevate the individual, both
intellectually and emotionally. The lyrics are mainly based on religious
themes and talk about
various Hindu philosophies. |
Carnatic music on its own
merit, is a separate entity, and the music itself can be considered to be
the supreme way to become one with God. The concept of worshipping through
music practice is known as Nadopasana.
Carnatic music can not only
evoke all the nine emotions
mentioned in literature, but can also be experienced bereft of these common
emotions. As it is, this music is both intellectual and entertaining, and
appeal to both the qualities of the head and the heart. It is no wonder that
such a concept and understanding of music developed into a form of worship,
Nadopasana, and has carried many on its wings to self-elevation and
merged with the ultimate truth. This sublime integration of various themes,
religion, devotion, philosophy, emotions, intellect (science), entertainment
and others with music, has created a vibrant life and tradition in this art
form.
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