Describe the characteristics of Carnatic music and compare it with Hindustani music. (250 words)

I. Key Characteristics of Carnatic Music:

 

• Stability and Adherence to Tradition:
   

• Compositions are pre-determined and not subject to much improvisation.
   

• Raga and Tala System:
  
  Based on the 72 Melakarta ragas (parent scales).
  Complex tala (rhythmic) structures like 'Adi', 'Rupaka', 'Misra', etc.
   

• Creative Forms:
  
  Includes compositions like Geetham, Varnam, Keertana, Kriti, Padam, etc.
   

• Spiritual Core:
  
  The central theme of compositions is devotion, mainly towards Lord Vishnu, Shiva, and the Goddess.
   

---

II. Comparison with Hindustani Music:
 

Aspect	Carnatic Music	Hindustani Music
Region	South India	North India
Composition Style	Fixed, pre-planned	Improvisational, ornamentation-based
Raga System	Based on 72 Melakarta ragas	Based on 10 Thaat system
Instruments	Veena, Mridangam, Kanjira	Sitar, Tabla, Sarangi
Renowned Artists	Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, Syama Sastri	Tansen, Bimal Mukherjee

---

III. Conclusion:

Both traditions enrich India's musical heritage. Carnatic music holds a unique place due to its technical complexity and devotional emphasis.