Carnatic Music
/kɑːrˈnætɪk ˈmjuːzɪk/noun
A classical music tradition of South India, especially associated with Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala.
Did you know?Carnatic performances often use devotional Sanskrit, Telugu, or Tamil compositions, but the tradition’s improvisation can transform a fixed melody into an intensely personal spiritual experience.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
karṇāṭa / karṇāṭaka
“A name associated with the southern Indian region later called Karnataka; the deeper internal etymology is uncertain.”
Medieval India
Sanskrit
karṇāṭaka saṅgīta
“Music of the Karnataka or southern region; an early regional designation for the tradition.”
16th–17th Century
South Indian languages
Karnāṭaka saṅgītam
“The established South Indian classical music tradition, increasingly distinguished from northern Hindustani music.”
17th–18th Century
European usage
Carnatic / Carnatique
“European forms referring to the Karnataka region and its cultural sphere; the spelling reflects transmission through colonial languages.”
18th–19th Century
English
Carnatic music
“The English name for the classical music tradition of South India.”
Modern English
English
Carnatic music
“A highly structured tradition centered on rāga, tāla, composition, and improvisation.”