Alankaras in Carnatic Music: The Foundation of Swara Perfection

In Carnatic music, Alankaras (also spelled Alankarams) are among the most essential exercises every student learns after mastering the basic Sarali and Janta Varisais. The word Alankara in Sanskrit means ornament, and just as ornaments enhance beauty, Alankaras beautify one’s understanding and expression of swaras (musical notes). They serve as a bridge between fundamental note practice and the more intricate aspects of compositions like Geetams, Varnams, and Kritis.

What Are Alankaras?

Alankaras are systematic sequences of swaras composed in different talas (rhythmic cycles). They are designed to train the student in synchronizing melody with rhythm, developing precision, and internalizing the concept of tala. Usually, seven Alankaras are taught in Carnatic music, each set in a different talam pattern, such as:

1. Chatusra Jathi Dhruva Talam – 14 beats

2. Chatusra Jathi Matya Talam – 10 beats

3. Chatusra Jathi Rupaka Talam – 6 beats

4. Mishra Jathi Jhampa Talam – 10 beats

5. Thisra Jathi Triputa Talam – 7 beats

6. Khanda Jathi Ata Talam – 14 beats

7. Chatusra Jathi Eka Talam – 4 beats

Each Alankara is composed in the raga Mayamalavagowla, the 15th Melakartha (parent scale), which serves as the foundation for beginner exercises in Carnatic training. This raga’s symmetric scale structure makes it ideal for learning the basics of sruti shuddham (pitch accuracy) and laya (rhythmic stability).

The Purpose of Practicing Alankaras

Alankaras are not just sequences of notes—they are a holistic training tool. Here’s how they help:

1. Mastering Laya (Rhythm):
   Every Alankara is practiced in a different talam, making learners internalize rhythmic cycles deeply. They begin to understand how swaras fit mathematically into rhythmic units.

2. Developing Voice Control and Range:
   Singing Alankaras in multiple speeds (first, second, and third) refines breath control and vocal dexterity. Students often practice them in akaaram—singing the syllable “aa”—which strengthens voice culture and tonal clarity.

3. Building Precision:
   Since each swara has to align with a beat, the learner develops impeccable timing. This precision becomes essential while rendering varnams and kritis later.

4. Understanding Tala Variations:
   Practicing across jaatis (rhythmic divisions like chatusra, tisra, khanda, etc.) introduces rhythmic diversity. Students begin to grasp the cyclic nature of tala, an essential part of Carnatic music’s mathematical beauty.

5. Foundation for Improvisation:
   Alankaras teach the logic of note sequences. Once students internalize them, they can use similar patterns in manodharma sangeetham (creative improvisation), such as swarakalpana and alapana.

How to Practice Alankaras

• Start slowly with a steady tala maintained using hand gestures.

• Use the tanpura or a shruti box to stay aligned with pitch.

• Increase speed gradually, ensuring clarity is never compromised.

• Alternate between swara and akaram practice for voice development.

• Try multiple ragas once confident—though Mayamalavagowla is standard, Alankaras can later be adapted to ragas like Shankarabharanam and Kalyani.

Explore the Tanpura / Online Shruti Box Tool to assist in maintaining perfect sruti during your practice.

The Deeper Significance

Alankaras may appear technical, but their purpose extends beyond technique. They represent the discipline and structure that underlie Carnatic music. Through Alankaras, students learn the balance between creativity and order—a balance that defines every great vidwan (musician).

In essence, Alankaras are not mere exercises—they are a form of meditation in melody and rhythm, a practice that builds the musical mind and soul. Whether one learns in person or through online Carnatic music classes, mastering Alankaras is the key to developing both confidence and creativity in this ancient art form.