South Indian music system also known as Carnatic.

Carnatic music, known as Karnāṭaka saṃgīta or Karnāṭaka saṅgītam in South Indian languages, represents a musical system closely associated with South India. This region includes the modern Indian states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Rooted in ancient Hindu texts and traditions, particularly the Samaveda, Carnatic music is one of the two primary subgenres of Indian classical music. The other subgenre, Hindustani music, emerged distinctly due to Persian or Islamic influences from Northern India. Carnatic music places a primary emphasis on vocal performance, with most compositions designed for singing. Even when played on instruments, these compositions are intended to be performed in the gāyaki (singing) style.Despite stylistic distinctions, both Carnatic and Hindustani music share fundamental elements such as śruti (relative musical pitch), svara (musical sound of a single note), rāga (melodic mode or formulæ), and tala (rhythmic cycles), forming the basis for improvisation and composition in both traditions. While improvisation is integral, Carnatic music primarily involves sung compositions, particularly the kriti (or kirtanam) form developed between the 14th and 20th centuries by composers like Purandara Dasa, Kanaka Dasa, and the Trinity of Carnatic music. Teaching and learning Carnatic music typically revolve around compositions. In its later developmental stage, Telugu prominently contributes to the evolution of Carnatic music. Most Carnatic compositions are in Telugu and Sanskrit, with some also in Tamil and Kannada.Carnatic music is typically performed by a small ensemble of musicians, featuring a principal performer (usually a vocalist), melodic accompaniment (typically a violin), rhythmic accompaniment (commonly a mridangam), and a tambura, providing a continuous drone throughout the performance. Other instruments often used in performances include the ghatam, kanjira, morsing, venu flute, veena, and chitraveena.