Ganamruta Bodhini PDF: A Comprehensive and Systematic Introduction to Carnatic Music
Ganamrutha Bodhini: A Beginner's Guide to Carnatic Music
If you are interested in learning Carnatic music, one of the most ancient and popular forms of classical music in India, you might have heard of Ganamrutha Bodhini. This book is widely used by beginners and teachers of Carnatic music as a comprehensive and systematic introduction to the basics of this musical tradition. But what exactly is Ganamrutha Bodhini, and how can you use it to learn Carnatic music? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, and also show you where you can find and download Ganamrutha Bodhini PDF for free.
Ganamrutha Bodhini Free Download Pdf
What is Ganamrutha Bodhini?
Ganamrutha Bodhini is a book that teaches the fundamentals of Carnatic music, also known as Lakshana Sangeetha. Carnatic music is a complex and rich musical system that originated in South India and has been influenced by various cultural and historical factors. It is based on a set of 72 melakartas or parent scales, each with its own set of ragas or modes, and a variety of talas or rhythmic cycles. Carnatic music also has a vast repertoire of compositions, ranging from devotional songs to elaborate improvisations.
Ganamrutha Bodhini aims to provide a solid foundation for learning Carnatic music by introducing the basic concepts, terms, symbols, and exercises that are essential for understanding and practicing this musical form. It covers topics such as:
The origin and history of Carnatic music
The characteristics and classifications of swaras or notes
The swaravali varisais or note sequences
The alankaras or ornamentations
The geethams or simple songs
The swara jatis or note patterns
The notation system and symbols used in Carnatic music
The author and publisher of Ganamrutha Bodhini
Ganamrutha Bodhini was written by Sangeetha Vidwan A.S. Panchapakesa Iyer, a renowned musician, teacher, composer, and scholar of Carnatic music. He was born in 1916 in Tamil Nadu, India, and started learning music at a young age from his father. He later studied under several eminent gurus, such as Tiger Varadachariar, Musiri Subramania Iyer, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, and Mysore Vasudevachar. He also obtained a degree in Sanskrit from Madras University.
A.S. Panchapakesa Iyer was a prolific composer who created hundreds of compositions in various languages, such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Sanskrit, Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Oriya, Assamese, Punjabi, Sindhi, Urdu, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Persian, Hebrew, Greek, Latin etc. He also wrote several books on music theory and history.
Ganamrutha Bodhini was first published in 1945 by Ganamrutha Prachuram (Ganamrutha Publications), a publishing house founded by A.S. Panchapakesa Iyer himself. Since then, it has been reprinted several times and has become one of the most popular books on Carnatic music. It is available in various languages such as English (Ganamruta Bodhini), Tamil (Ganamoorthi Bhothani), Telugu (Ganamoorthi Bhothani), Kannada (Ganamoorthi Bhothani), Malayalam (Ganamoorthi Bhothani), Hindi (Ganamoorthi Bhothani), Marathi (Ganamoorthi Bhothani), Gujarati (Ganamoorthi Bhothani), Bengali (Ganamoorthi Bhothani), Oriya (Ganamoorthi Bhothani), Assamese (Ganamoorthi Bhothani), Punjabi (Ganamoorthi Bhothani), Sindhi (Ganamoorthi Bhothani), Urdu (Ganamoorthi Bhothani) etc.
The contents and structure of Ganamrutha Bodhini
Ganamrutha Bodhini consists of six chapters or parts that cover different aspects of Carnatic music. Each chapter has several lessons or sections that explain the concepts in detail with examples and exercises. The chapters are:
Introduction: This chapter gives an overview of the origin and history of Carnatic music.
Swaras: This chapter deals with the swaras or notes that form the basis of Carnatic music. It explains the characteristics and classifications of swaras such as sthayi or octave; sruti or pitch; swarasthana or note position; vadi or sonant; samvadi or consonant; anuvadi or assonant; vivadi or dissonant etc. It also introduces the swaravali varisais or note sequences that are used to practice the swaras.
Alankaras: This chapter introduces the alankaras or ornamentations that are used to embellish the swaras. It explains the types and features of alankaras such as gamaka or shake; kampita or vibrato; jaru or glide; sphurita or hammer-on; pratyahata or pull-off etc. It also provides examples of alankaras in different ragas.
Geethams: This chapter introduces the geethams or simple songs that are used to learn the ragas or modes. It explains the structure and components of geethams such as pallavi or refrain; anupallavi or sub-refrain; charanam or stanza etc. It also provides examples of geethams in different ragas.
Swara Jatis: This chapter introduces the swara jatis or note patterns that are used to learn the talas or rhythmic cycles. It explains the structure and components of swara jatis such as laghu or beat; drutam or double beat; anudrutam or half beat etc. It also provides examples of swara jatis in different talas.
Notation: This chapter introduces the notation system and symbols used in Carnatic music. It explains how to write and read the notation for swaras; alankaras; geethams; swara jatis etc.
The benefits and features of Ganamrutha Bodhini
Ganamrutha Bodhini is a book that has many benefits and features for anyone who wants to learn Carnatic music. Some of them are:
It is written by an expert musician who has vast knowledge and experience in Carnatic music.
It is based on a systematic and progressive approach that starts from the basics and gradually advances to more complex topics.
It is comprehensive and covers all the essential aspects of Carnatic music theory and practice.
It is clear and concise with simple language and explanations.
It is practical and interactive with examples and exercises that help to reinforce the concepts.
It is adaptable and suitable for learners of different levels; ages; backgrounds etc.
Here is the continuation of the article. FAQs on Carnatic music
Here are some frequently asked questions on Carnatic music and their answers:
What is the difference between Carnatic and Hindustani music?
Carnatic and Hindustani music are the two main subgenres of Indian classical music that evolved from ancient Hindu traditions. They have some common elements such as raga and tala, but they also have many stylistic differences. Some of the main differences are:
Carnatic music is based in South India and Sri Lanka, while Hindustani music is based in North India and Pakistan.
Carnatic music is more focused on melody, while Hindustani music emphasizes rhythm. As a result, Carnatic music tends to be more lyrical and fluid, while Hindustani music is more lively and energetic.
Carnatic music has a more homogeneous and orthodox tradition, while Hindustani music has been influenced by various cultural and historical factors, such as Persian and Islamic influences.
Carnatic music has a more systematic and uniform classification of ragas and talas, while Hindustani music has a more diverse and flexible repertoire of ragas and talas.
Carnatic music is mainly sung through compositions, especially the kriti, while Hindustani music has more scope for improvisation and instrumental forms.
A soloist usually performs Carnatic music, while Hindustani music features ensembles.
Who are some of the famous composers and performers of Carnatic music?
Carnatic music has a rich and long history of composers and performers who have contributed to its development and popularity. Some of the most famous ones are:
Purandara Dasa (1484-1564): He is considered to be the father of Carnatic music, as he codified the basic lessons and exercises for beginners. He also composed thousands of devotional songs in Kannada language.
The Trinity of Carnatic Music: They are Tyagaraja (1767-1847), Muthuswami Dikshitar (1775-1835), and Syama Sastri (1762-1827), who are regarded as the greatest composers of Carnatic music. They composed hundreds of kritis in various ragas and talas, expressing their devotion to various deities.
M.S. Subbulakshmi (1916-2004): She is one of the most celebrated vocalists of Carnatic music, who popularized it across India and abroad. She was known for her melodious voice, impeccable pronunciation, and expressive rendition. She was also a recipient of Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour.
Lalgudi Jayaraman (1930-2013): He is one of the most renowned violinists of Carnatic music, who revolutionized the role of violin as a solo and accompaniment instrument. He was known for his virtuosity, creativity, and innovation. He also composed many varnams and thillanas.
Balamuralikrishna (1930-2016): He is one of the most versatile vocalists of Carnatic music, who mastered all aspects of vocal technique and expression. He was known for his originality, spontaneity, and experimentation. He also composed many kritis, varnams, thillanas, ragas, and talas.
How can I learn Carnatic music online?
There are many online resources for learning Carnatic music that can be found on the internet. Some of them are:
Acharyanet: This is a website that provides access to high quality video lessons taught by renowned gurus in Carnatic music. It covers topics such as vocal training, theory, raga alapana, kalpana swaras, neraval etc. It also offers live classes and feedback sessions with the gurus.
Udemy: This is an online platform that offers various courses on Carnatic music for beginners to advanced levels. Some of the courses are Basic Carnatic Music - Level 1; Carnatic Music for Beginners - Fundamental Singing Course; Carnatic Music - South Indian Classical Music Theory etc.
Scribd: This is an online library that provides access to various books and documents on Carnatic music in PDF format. Some of the books are Ganamruta Bodhini; Sangita Sampradaya Pradarshini; A Southern Music: The Karnatik Story etc.