Abstract

Nāṭakuṟañji, one of the rāga-s of Karṇāṭak Saṅgīta, has been mentioned in musical works and handled by composers since 17th Century AD. With over 80 compositions in a period of four centuries, this rāga is used in various musical forms such as gīta, varṇa, padam, jāvaḷi, kṛti/kīrttana and tillānā. Further, it is often handled by performing artistes for the manōdharma element - "Rāgam Tānam Pallavi". However, as a result of the observations made through the various compositions, it is evident that the structure of nāṭakuṟañji as seen in the published notation, has changed and evolved over centuries. This is predominantly due to the difference in the usage of the pañcama. This research paper aims at analysing the evolution and the characteristics of the rāga, Nāṭakuṟañji based on the compositions of vāggēyakāra-s. The methodology adapted is primarily based on comparative and analytical lines by studying the melody, structure, rhythm and prosody of the compositions.