THE 4MMP

CONSERVATOIRE

CARNATIC STUDIES
Book

1
Selected and Compiled by

Harini Raghavendhira
 CONTENTS

BASICS OF INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC 2

SARALI VARISAIGAL 7

JANTAI VARISAIGAL 11

UPPER STHAYI VARISAIGAL 16

DHATTU VARISAIGAL 18

RADHE RADHE 21

RAM RAM 21

EKADHANTHAM VINAYAKAM 22

OM SIVA OM SIVA 22

VEL MURUGGAYYA 23

GURUVAYURPURA 23

DUM DUM 23

PREM MUDHITA 24

GOVINDHA KRISHNA JAI 24

GOPLA RADHA LOLA 25

SALANGA KATTI 25

BRINDHAVAN ME 26

MUDDU GARE 27

PRABHO GANAPATHEY 28

VOCAL EXERCISES AND WARM UPS 29



BASICS OF INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC

Indian classical music has developed over centuries into a nuanced, glorious

art form. Indian classical music, through a variety of melodic entities

(ragas), ornamentation of notes and rhythmic patterns, tries to unite the

performer and the listener in the experience of emotions or bhava. Classical

music in India has had a complimentary relationship with other varieties of

music — folk, sacred, dance, opera, light, katha kalakshepa etc. Indian

classical music is a part of Indian culture. It has been considered as the

soothing entertainer for the common man, besides being a spiritual

experience and a means to God realisation by the wise seers.

The origin of Indian music dates back to Vedic period, which evolved

through several centuries and got separated into two streams of music, viz.

Carnatic music, which flourished in the southern parts and Hindustani music,

which flourished in the northern parts of India. All along its development,

several musicologists like Bharata, Matanga, Narada, Saranga Deva and

others defined the fundamental theories on Indian music such as sruthi,

swara, gamaka etc.

3
Swara is the musical note. Swaras are seven in number and are collectively

known as Saptaswara.

Sruti is the smallest interval of pitches, (differences between two frequencies)

that can be detected by a trained ear.

Gamaka is the minute embellishment that is attached to a swara. These

shakes or graces, which beautify the swarm phrases and the raga is a distinct

quality of Indian music.

Raga is the pivotal concept of Indian music. Matanga introduces the

concept of raga through his illustrated work-‘Brihaddesi’. Any melody that

entertain the listeners by the variety of its swarm passages or different

emotions is called raga.

Sri Purandaradasa who was called Sangita Pitamaha, organised the basic

lesson of Carnatic music. He formulated the basic lessons in the raga

Mayamalavagowla. Since the interval between each pair of notes i. e. s r - g

m - p d - n s are equal, it will be easy for a beginner to render the scale with

ease. Hence this raga became the starting raga in Carnatic music.

4
 SARALI VARISAIGAL

These fundamental sequences enable the student to get a feel of melody

with rhythm. The logic is quite obvious here. The 1st varishai is a plain ascent
and descent of the notes of the raga. The 2nd varishai focuses on the
second note from S, namely R (in the ascent) and N (in the descent). The
3rd varishai centers on the third note (G and D) in the ascent and descent
respectively. The fourth varishai concentrates on the fourth note M and P.
This goes on upto the 7th varishai. It has all the seven swaras in the
progressive manner in the arohana followed by the same seven swaras in the
descending order. These are set to Adi tala.

1ST KAALAM

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

S R G M P D N S

2ND KAALAM

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

SR GM PD NS SN DP MG RS

3RD KAALAM

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

SRGM PDNS SNDP MGRS SRGM PDNS SNDP MGRS

5
 JHANTA VARISAIGAL

This exercise has double swaras and helps the student to get trained in

rendering double swaras. In Jhanta swaras, a swara will be repeated twice

wherein the second swara will be stressed. This enables the student to sing or

play on instrument, the same swara twice on the same place, with perfect

swarasthana. These are forceful sequences, which facilitate the students to

add weight and majesty to their voice. These exercises are also tuned to the

raga Mayamalavagowla and set to Aditala.

1ST KAALAM

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

SS RR GG MM PP DD NN SS

2ND KAALAM

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

SSRR GGMM PPDD NNSS SSNN DDPP MMGG RRSS

3RD KAALAM

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

SSRR
 PPDD
 SSNN
 MMGG
 SSRR
 PPDD
 SSNN
 MMGG


GGMM NNSS DDPP RRSS GGMM NNSS DDPP RRSS

6
 UPPER STHAYI VARISAIGAL

These are higher octave sequences, which increase the student’s vocal or

instrumental range. The gradual progression of swaras systamatically

reaches the higher octave swaras and ends up in the avarohana. These are

set in raga Mayamalavagowla and Adi tala.

DHATTU VARISAIGAL

Datu means jumping or skipping. In dhatu varisas the swaras are structured in

such a way that one, two or three swaras jumps in a systematic manner. The

varisas help in training the students to have a good control over individual

swarasthanas. Dhattu varisas are in the raga Mayamalavagowla and are set

to Adi tala. Dhattu varisas are rendered in three speeds.

AROHANAM AND AVAROHANAM

The notes ascending in a progressive manner is called Arohana and

notes in

Descending order is called avarohana.

7
SECTION I
LESSONS

8
 LESSON 1

SARALI VARISAIGAL

RAGAM - MAYAMALAVAGOWLA THALAM - AADHI

1 S R G M | P D | N ŝ ||

ŝ N D P | M G | R S ||

2 S R S R | S R | G M ||

|
S R G M | P D N ŝ ||

|
ŝ N ŝ N | ŝ N D P ||

|
ŝ N D P | M G R S ||

|
3 S R G S | R G S R ||

|
S R G M | P D N ŝ ||

ŝ N D ŝ | N D | ŝ N ||

|
ŝ N D P | M G R S ||

|
4 S R G M | S R G M ||

|
S R G M | P D N ŝ ||

|
ŝ N D P | ŝ N D P ||

|
ŝ N D P | M G R S ||

9
5 S R G M | P , | S R ||

|
S R G M | P D N ŝ ||

|
ŝ N D P | M , ŝ N ||

|
ŝ N D P | M G R S ||

|
6 S R G M | P D S R ||

|
S R G M | P D N ŝ ||

|
ŝ N D P | M G ŝ N ||

|
ŝ N D P | M G R S ||

|
7 S R G M | P D N , ||

|
S R G M | P D N ŝ ||

|
ŝ N D P | M G R , ||

|
ŝ N D P | M G R S ||

|
8 S R G M | P M G R ||

|
S R G M | P D N ŝ ||

ŝ N D P | M P | D N ||

|
ŝ N D P | M G R S ||

10
9 S R G M | P M | D P ||

|
S R G M | P D N ŝ ||

|
ŝ N D P | M P G M ||

|
ŝ N D P | M G R S ||

|
10 S R G M | P , G M ||

|
P , , , | P , , , ||

|
G M P D | N D P M ||

|
G M P G | M G R S ||

|
11 ŝ , N D | N , D P ||

|
D , P M | P , P , ||

|
G M P D | N D P M ||

|
G M P G | M G R S ||

|
12 ŝ ŝ N D | N N D P ||

|
D D P M | P , P , ||

|
G M P D | N D P M ||

|
G M P G | M G R S ||

11
13 S R G R | G , | G M ||

|
P M P , | D P D , ||

|
M P D P | D N D P ||

|
M P D P | M G R S ||

|
14 S R G M | P , P , ||

|
D D P , | M M P , ||

|
D N ŝ , | ŝ N D P ||

|
ŝ N D P | M G R S ||

12
 LESSON 2

JANTAI VARISAIGAL

RAGAM - MAYAMALAVAGOWLA THALAM - AADHI

1 SS RR GG MM | PP DD | NN ŝŝ ||

ŝŝ NN DD PP | MM GG | RR SS ||

2 SS RR GG MM | RR GG | MM PP ||

|
GG MM PP DD | MM PP DD NN ||

PP DD NN ŝŝ | ŝŝ NN | DD PP ||

|
NN DD PP MM | DD PP MM GG ||

|
PP MM GG RR | MM GG RR SS ||

3 SS RS SR SR | SS RR | GG MM ||

RR GR RG RG | RR GG | MM PP ||

GG MG GM GM | GG MM | PP DD ||

|
MM PM MP MP | MM PP DD NN ||

|
PP DP PD PD | PP DD NN ŝŝ ||

ŝŝ Nŝ ŝN ŝN | ŝŝ NN | DD PP ||

|
NN DN ND ND | NN DD PP MM ||

|
DD PD DP DP | DD PP MM GG ||
13
 PP MP PM PM | PP MM | GG RR ||

MM GM MG MG | MM GG | RR SS ||

4 SS RR GS RG | SS RR | GG MM ||

RR GG MR GM | RR GG | MM PP ||

GG MM PG MP | GG MM | PP DD ||

|
MM PP DM PD | MM PP DD NN ||

|
PP DD NP DN | PP DD NN ŝŝ ||

ŝŝ NN Dŝ ND ŝŝ NN | DD PP ||

|
NN DD PN DP | NN DD PP MM ||

|
DD PP MD PM | DD PP MM GG ||

PP MM GP MG | PP MM | GG RR ||

GR
MM GG RM | MM GG | RR SS ||

5 SS RR GG RR | SS RR | GG MM ||

MM
RR GG GG | RR GG | MM PP ||

GG MM PP MM | GG MM | PP DD ||

|
MM PP DD PP | MM PP DD NN ||

14
 |
PP DD NN DD | PP DD NN ŝŝ ||

ŝŝ NN DD NN ŝŝ NN | DD PP ||

|
NN DD PP DD | NN DD PP MM ||

MM |
DD PP PP | DD PP MM GG ||

PP MM GG MM | PP MM | GG RR ||

MM GG RR GG | MM GG | RR SS ||

6 SS ,R R, GG | SS RR | GG MM ||

RR ,G G, MM | RR GG | MM PP ||

GG ,M M, PP | GG MM | PP DD ||

|
MM ,P P, DD | MM PP DD NN ||

|
PP ,D D, NN | PP DD NN ŝŝ ||

ŝŝ ,N N, DD | ŝŝ NN | DD PP ||

|
NN ,D D, PP | NN DD PP MM ||

MM |
DD ,P P, | DD PP MM GG ||

PP ,M M, GG | PP MM | GG RR ||

MM ,G G, RR | MM GG | RR SS ||

15
7 S, SR ,R GG | SS RR | GG MM ||

R, RG ,G MM | RR GG | MM PP ||

G, GM ,M PP | GG MM | PP DD ||

|
M, MP ,P DD | MM PP DD NN ||

|
P, PD ,D NN | PP DD NN ŝŝ ||

ŝ, ŝN ,N DD | ŝŝ NN | DD PP ||

|
N, ND ,D PP | NN DD PP MM ||

MM |
D, DP ,P | DD PP MM GG ||

P, PM ,M GG | PP MM | GG RR ||

M, MG ,G RR | MM GG | RR SS ||

8 SS SR RR GG | SS RR | GG MM ||

RR RG GG MM | RR GG | MM PP ||

GG GM MM PP | GG MM | PP DD ||

|
MM MP PP DD | MM PP DD NN ||

|
PP PD DD NN | PP DD NN ŝŝ ||

ŝŝ ŝN NN DD | ŝŝ NN | DD PP ||

16
 |
NN ND DD PP | NN DD PP MM ||

MM |
DD DP PP | DD PP MM GG ||

PP PM MM GG | PP MM | GG RR ||

MM MG GG RR | MM GG | RR SS ||

9 SS MM GG RR | SS RR | GG MM ||

MM
RR PP GG | RR GG | MM PP ||

GG DD PP MM | GG MM | PP DD ||

|
MM NN DD PP | MM PP DD NN ||

|
PP ŝŝ NN DD | PP DD NN ŝŝ ||

ŝŝ PP DD NN ŝŝ NN | DD PP ||

|
NN MM PP DD | NN DD PP MM ||

MM |
DD GG PP | DD PP MM GG ||

PP RR GG MM | PP MM | GG RR ||

MM SS RR GG | MM GG | RR SS ||

17
 LESSON 3

UPPER STHAYI VARISAIGAL

RAGAM - MAYAMALAVAGOWLA THALAM - AADHI

1 S R G M | P D | N ŝ ||

ŝ , , , | ŝ , | , , ||

D N ŝ R | ŝ N | D P ||

S N D P | M G | R S ||

2 S R G M | P D | N S ||

ŝ , , , | ŝ , | , , ||

D N ŝ R | ŝ ŝ | R ŝ ||

ŝ R ŝ N | D P | M P ||

D N ŝ R | ŝ N | D P ||

ŝ N D P | M G | R S ||

3 S R G M | P D | N S ||

ŝ , , , | ŝ , | , , ||

D N ŝ R | G R | ŝ R ||

ŝ R ŝ N | D P | M P ||

D N ŝ R | ŝ ŝ | R ŝ ||

ŝ R ŝ N | D P | M P ||

D N ŝ R | ŝ N | D P ||

ŝ N D P | M G | R S ||

18
4 S R G M | P D | N S ||

ŝ , , , | ŝ , | , , ||

D N ŝ R | G M | G R ||

ŝ R ŝ N | D P | M P ||

D N ŝ R | G R | ŝ R ||

ŝ R ŝ N | D P | M P ||

D N ŝ R | ŝ ŝ | R ŝ ||

ŝ R ŝ N | D P | M P ||

D N ŝ R | ŝ N | D P ||

S N D P | M G | R S ||

5 S R G M | P D | N S ||

ŝ , , , | ŝ , | , , ||

D N ŝ R | G M | P M ||

G R ŝ N | D P | M P ||

D N ŝ R | G M | G R ||

ŝ R ŝ N | D P | M P ||

D N ŝ R | G R | ŝ R ||

ŝ R ŝ N | D P | M P ||

D N ŝ R | ŝ ŝ | R ŝ ||

ŝ R ŝ N | D P | M P ||

D N ŝ R | ŝ N | D P ||

ŝ N D P | M G | R S ||

19
 LESSON 4

DHATTU VARISAIGAL

RAGAM - MAYAMALAVAGOWLA THALAM - AADHI

1 S M G M | R G | S R ||

S G R G | S R | G M ||

R P M P | G M | R G ||

R M G M | R G | M P ||

G D P D | M P | G M ||

G P M P | G M | P D ||

M N D N | P D | M P ||

M D P D | M P | D N ||

P ŝ N ŝ | D N | P D ||

P N D N | P D | N ŝ ||

ŝ P D P | N D | ŝ N ||

ŝ D N D | ŝ N | D P ||

N M P M | D P | N D ||

N P D P | N D | P M ||

D G M G | P M | D P ||

D M P M | D P | M G ||

P R G R | M G | P M ||

P G M G | P M | G R ||

M S R S | G R | M G ||

M R G R | M G | R S ||

20
2 S R S G | R G | R M ||

S M G R | S R | G M ||

R G R M | G M | G P ||

R P M G | R G | M P ||

G M G P | M P | M D ||

G D P M | G M | P D ||

M P M D | P D | P N ||

M N D P | M P | D N ||

P D P N | D N | D ŝ ||

P ŝ N D | P D | N ŝ ||

ŝ N ŝ D | N D | N P ||

ŝ P D N | ŝ N | D P ||

N D N P | D P | D M ||

N M P D | N D | P M ||

D P D M | P M | P G ||

D G M P | D P | M G ||

P M P G | M G | M R ||

P R G M | P M | G R ||

M G M R | G R | G S ||

M S R G | M G | R S ||

21
 SECTION II
BHAJANS AND SONGS

22
 1. RADHE RADHE

Radhe Radhe Radhe Radhe Radhe Govinda, Vrindavana Chanda

Anatha Natha Deena Badho, Radhe Govinda

Nanda Mukunda Navaneeta Chora, Radhe Govinda

Vrindavana Chanda

Anatha Natha Deena Bandho, Radhe Govinda

Yashoda Baala Yadhukula Tilaka, Radhe Govinda|

Vrindavana Chanda

Anatha Natha Deena Bandho, Radhe Govinda

2. RAM RAM

Ram ram ram ram ram

Jeya ram ram ram ram ram

Dasaratha nandhana ram ram ram

Dhasa muka mardhana ram ram

Pasupathiranjana ram ram ram

Paapa vimochana ram ram ram

Anaadha rakshaka ram ram ram

Aabath paandava ram ram ram

Maithili nandhana ram ram ram

Maaruthi vanthitha ram ram ram

23
 3. EKATHANDHAM VINAYAKAM

Ekathandham vinayakam

Vignaharam bhaja gajananam

Ekathandham umasudham

Vignaharam bhaja gajananam

Mooshika vaahana gajananam

Modaka haste gajananam (ekathandham)

Chaamara karna gajananam

Vilambidha soother gajaananam

Vaamana roopa gajananam

Maheshwara puthra gajananam

Vigna vinayaka gajananam

Padha namaste gajananam (ekathandham)

4. OM SIVA OM SIVA

Om siva Om Siva paraathparaa siva

Omkaara siva that saranam (2)

Namaami sankara Bhakami sankara

Uma maheshwara thava saranam (2)

Gowri sankara shambho sankara

Saamba sadhaa siva thava saranam (2) (Om siva)

24
 5. VEL MURUGAYYA

Vel murugayya vel murugayya

Vedhanai nzeekidum vel murugayya

Valvinai soozhvadhai paar murugayya

Naeraaga bandenai aaah murugayya

Sodhanai podium vel murugayya

Sei yen kaatthida vaa murugayya

6. GURUVAYURPURA

Guruvayurpura Shri Hari krishna narayana gopal

Mukunda madhava muralidhari narayana gopal

Mohana muralidhari shri hari narayana gopal

Govardhanagiri dhaari muraari narayana gopal

Mukunda madhava muralidhari narayana gopal

7. DUM DUM

Dum dum dum dum damaru bhajey

Hare hola nath shiva shambo bhajey

Ghana ghana ghana ghana ghanta bajer

Gowri Nath shiva shampoo bhajey

Hare sai Nath shiva shampoo bhajey

25
 8. PREM MUDITHA

Prem Mudita Mana Se Kaho Rama Rama Ram,


Shree Rama Rama Ram (2)

Paap Kate, Dukha Mite, Leke Rama Naam


Bhava Samudra, Sukhada Naav, Ek Rama Naam

Shree Rama Rama Ram (2)


9. GOVINDA KRISHNA JAI

Govinda Krishna Jai Gopala Krishna Jai

Gopala Pala Pala Bala Radha Krishna Jai

Krishna Jai (* *) Krishna Jai (* *)

Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Jai

Gopi Kamala Haari Pyaari

Maayi Meera Man Vihari

Madana Mohana Muralidhari Krishna Jai

Krishna Jai Rama Krishna Jai

Krishna Jai Bala Krishna Krishna

Krishna Jai (* *) Krishna Jai (* *)

Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Jai

26
 10. GOPALA RADHA LOLA

Gopala Radha Lola

Murali Lola Nandalala

Keshava Madhava Janardhana

Vanamala Brindavana Bala

Murali Lola Nandalala Krishna Murali Lola Nandalala

Anand Mohan Niranjana

Vanamala Brindavana Bala 

Murali Lola Nandalala Krishna Murali Lola Nandalala

11. SALANGA KATTI

Salanga katti odi odi vayo

Endan tamara kanna adi adi vayo..

Undhan pinju padam tedi tedi naangal

Undhan divya namam padi padi vandom …(2)salangai ketti…

Devaki nandana radha jivana kesava hare madhava

Gokula rakshaka

Gopala balaka kesava hare madhava

Gokula balane odi vayo, Gopala balane adi vayo, salangai ketti……

Pandava rakshaka

papa vinasaka

kesava hare madhava

Arjuna rakshaka anjana nashaka kesava hare madhava

Gitamritame odi vayo, Hridayanandame adi vayo, Salangai katti

27
 12. BRINDHAVAN ME

Brinda van me kunja bhavan me

Nachat Giridhar lal - Oh- Oh-Oh

Iti sukkumar he it sukkumar he

Dhar dhar dhar dhar muralee adhar

Bar bar bar bar madhur madhur

Khar khar khar khar natvar roop

Sundar sukhaharee ha ha ha ha (iti sukkumar)

Gana Gana Gana Gana Bhajath tal

Dum Dum Dum Dum chalath chal -om

chana chana chana chana chana chana chana chana

Noopura dwani pyari ha ha ha (iti sukkumar)

Ghir Ghir Ghir Ghir karatha kAn

bir bir bir bir dhetha tan-om

mil mil mil mil rajat rasa

sangha Gopa naree ha ha ha (iti sukkumar)

Vad vad vad vad vadana chanda

Hasa hasa hasa hasa hasanamandh

Om Brahmanand nanda nanda nandana bali hari ha ha ha

Iti sukumar he iti sukumar he

28
 13. MUDDU GARE

RAGAM : KURUNJI THALAM : AADHI

Muddu gare Yashoda mungita muthyamu veedu

Diddaraani mahimala Devaki suthudu ||

Anthanintha gollethala arachethi manikyamu

Panthamaade Kamsuni pali vajramu

Kaanthula moodu lokala Garudapachhaapoosa

Chenthala malonunna Chinni Krishnudu ||

Rathikeli rukhminiki rangumovi pagadamu

Mithi govardhanapu Gomedhikamu

Sathamai Shankhachakrala sandula vaidhooryamu

Gathiyai mammu gAche Kamalakshudu ||

Kalinguni thalalapai gappina pushyaragamu

Yeleti Sri Venkatadri Indraneelamu

Paalajalanidhilona bayani Divya ratnamu

Baaluneevale dirige Padmanabhudu ||

29
 14. PRABHO GANAPATHEY

RAGAM - TILANG THALAM - CHATUSRA JATHI EKA

Prabho ganapathey paripoorana vaazhvarulvaaye

Prabho ganapathey

Ganapathey ganapathey

Saarndhu vanangi thudhi paadi aadi undhan

Sannadhi saran adaindhome

Saantha siddha sowbakiyam yaavayum

Thandharul sathguru neeye

Thandharul sathguru neeye (Prabho)

Aadhi moola gananaadha gajanana

Arpudha thavala swaroopaa

Deve deva jeya vijaya vinayaka

Chinmaya parasiva deepa

Chinmaya parasiva deepa (Prabho)

Thedi thedi engo odugindraar unnai

Thedi kandukollalaame

Kodi kodi madha yaanaigal pani sieya

Kundrena vilangum pemmaane

Kundrena vilangum pemmaane (Prabho)

30
 VOCAL EXERCISES AND WARM UPS

YAWNING

Opens up your throat

Relax muscles and shoulders

Keep your shoulders and chest

relaxed, inhale deeply into your
diaphragm, so that your stomach
rises slightly. Then exhale slowly
from this same place, so that your
belly flattens out again. Repeat
again with hiss while you exhale.

31
 Release tension in your jaw
Open for 5- 10 breaths. Make
an ‘ahhh’ noise with your
mouth open.

Start by making a basic

‘hmmm’ noise in your throat in
your lower range as you exhale
for 5-10 times. Repeat with
mouth open.

Practice the siren song

Hold a sustained note

32
Note: Practice exercises and lessons in agaraas, igaaras, ugaraas and egaraas.

VOCAL EXERCISE 1 VOCAL EXERCISE 2

SRS
SRG RGM

SRGRS
GMP MPD

SRGMGRS
PDN DNS

SRGMPMGRS
SND NDP

SRGMPDPMGRS
DPM PMG

SRGMPDNDPMGRS
MGR GRS

SRGMPDNSNDPMGRS

33
THE 4MMP
CONSERVATOIRE

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