Geetham

Geetham, the simplest music form in Carnatic music, was created by Purandara Dasa in order to introduce talas with sahithya or lyrics. Though "Geethams" have no absolutely defined divisions of pallavi, anupallavi or charanas, they may be observed in some cases. Some Geethams contain sections rather than the defined divisions (pallavi etc). They often have no sangathis or variations, with each swara taking one syllable of the sahithya. The Geetham is sung without repetition from beginning to end. However most Geethams are concluded by repeating a portion of the opening part. Geethams are set in medium tempo and contain no "Sangathis" or variations and the flow of the music is natural. The theme of the "Sahithyam" (lyrics) is to praise God. Students learn these Geethams after a course in the preliminary Sarali exercises and Alankaras.

There are three types of Geetams: Sanchari or Samanya Geethams, Lakshana Geethams, and Suladi Geethams. Samanya Geethams are the simple ordinary Geethams and are called by other names such as Sadharana Geetham or Sanchari Geetham. In Lakshana Geethams, the sahithyam, instead of being praise of God, enumerates in so many words, the Lakshana of the Raga, in which it is composed-giving amongst other details, its Vakra Swaras, Graha, Nysa, Amsa Swarams and lastly its parent (Melakartha) Raga. Most Lakshana Geethams have been composed by Purandara Dasa. [ [http://www.karnatik.com/glossg.shtml Royal Carpet: Glossary of Carnatic Terms G ] ]

Common Geethams

Some of the most common Geethams have been composed by Muthuswami Dikshitar.
#"Vara Veena" in Mohanam Raga (Janya of 28th Mela Harikambhoji) - Chatusruthi Jathi Rupaka Tala
#"Sree Gananatha (Lambodara)" in Malahari Raga (Janya of 15th Mela Mayamalavagowla) - Chathusruthi Jathi Rupaka Tala
#"Analekara" in Shuddha Saveri Raga (Janya of 29th Mela Sankarabharanam) - Tisra Jathi Triputa Tala
#"Kamala Jadala" in Kalyani Raga (65th Melakarta Raga)- Tisra Jathi Triputa Tala

References