Question

Explain the structure of Varnam briefly with suitable examples

Hint:

List the parts in order and name one tana varnam.

Answer 1

Step 1: What a varnam is:
A varnam is a pure practice and concert piece that shows the raga fully. It has both sahitya and swaras. It is usually the first major item in a concert.

Step 2: Parts of a varnam:
1. Pallavi.
2. Anupallavi.
3. Muktayi swara (or chittaswaram), a swara section after the anupallavi.
4. Charanam.
5. Ettugada swaras (charana swaras), a set of swara passages, each followed by a sahitya line.
Both pallavi and anupallavi are sung in two speeds, the second at double the pace.

Step 3: Kinds and examples:
A tana varnam is for singing in concerts. A pada varnam is for dance. Ninnukori in Mohanam and Viriboni in Bhairavi are well known tana varnams.

Final Answer:
A varnam has pallavi, anupallavi, muktayi swara, charanam and ettugada swaras. \[ \boxed{\text{Pallavi, Anupallavi, Muktayi, Charanam, Ettugada}} \]