Expression of Passion by a Lover to her Beloved - The Padams in Carnatic Music
Padam in Indian Carnatic Music are pieces that are sweet, slow monologues by a Nayika to her Sakhi, her female companion or a pet bird, usually a parrot, on her love to her beloved, who is usually the Lord. Even though by structure, Padams are similar to Keerthanas, comprising of Pallavi, Anu Pallavi, and Charanas, Padams portrays the passionate love, and even sensual love, between the singer and her Lord. Padams are enriched with the Shringaara Rasa, one of the Navarasa, the nine emotions, and show the plight of the Nayika, who suffers pain from separation of her lover.
Padams are composed in languages such as Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam. Indian classical dancers also give life to Padams by their enchanting movements and passionate expressions. Dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali.
The prolific Telugu poet, Kshetrayya is credited with perfecting the format of the Padams used today. A unique feature of his Padams is the practice of singing the Anu Pallavi first then the Pallavi (second verse followed by first verse). Kshetrayya’ s work has played a major role in influencing poetry, dance, music of the South Indian tradition.
Another composition that is similar to Padam is the Javali. Like Padam, Javali also incorporates the Shringaara Rasa. So you may ask what’s the difference between the both?
Padams are intricately crafted lyrical songs. The musical structure carries a Pallavi, an Anu Pallavi and Charanas. There is an intensity of outpouring of emotions in Padams. Padams are usually slow-moving songs, which have a depth of musical intricacies. They bring out their respective raag bhava to the utmost extent. A Padam may have as its protagonist a Nayaka, a Nayika or a Sakhi, who bring out the appropriate emotions.
Javalis are livelier than Padams; usually sung in Madhyama kalam (the medium tempo used in Carnatic Music). Javalis may not have an Anu Pallavi, but have a Pallavi and Charanas. Javalis do not bring out the raag bhava as deeply as Padams. They may not be as serious in nature as Padams. Owing to their relative liveliness, Javali give themselves very well to shorter time periods of Abhinaya exposition as compared to Padams which can be expounded upon for a much longer time. Javalis are usually composed in popular ragas, and their lyrical quality is apt for the general setting of a lively earth mood.
Points on differences taken from this site
In my upcoming posts, I would be translating Maharaja Swathi Thirunal's Malayalam Padams!
If you would like to include some more facts, then please tell!
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