Question

Write the names of any 4 decorative angas of a Kriti.

Hint:

Chittaswaram and Madhyamakala sahityam are commonly used decorative angas in Tyagaraja and Muthuswami Dikshitar compositions.

Answer 1

In Carnatic music, a Kriti is a structured musical composition. While its core angas are Pallavi, Anupallavi, and Charanam, composers often embellish kritis using decorative angas to enhance musical beauty. Four decorative angas commonly found in Kritis:

Chittaswaram – A swara passage inserted between Anupallavi and Charanam or after Charanam.
Muktayi Swaram – A concluding swara phrase, often seen in varnams and kritis.
Sahitya bhaga – Lyrical insertions that enhance emotional content.
Madhyamakala sahityam – A fast-paced sahitya section used to highlight rhythmic intensity.
Purpose: These angas contribute to the raga bhava, laya intricacy, and expressive richness of the kriti.