Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 19, 2026

Pallavi

A pallavi is a refrain in carnatic music, commonly associated with South India. It is the first part of any formal composition (Krithi) which has three segments – Pallavi, Anupallavi and Charanam. Pallavi is usually also an abbreviation of Ragam Thanam Pallavi. It is considered as the opening verse of Varnam.

Last revised
Jul 19, 2026
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A pallavi is a refrain in carnatic music, commonly associated with South India. It is the first part of any formal composition (Krithi) which has three segments – Pallavi, Anupallavi and Charanam (which can be one or more). Pallavi is usually also an abbreviation of Ragam Thanam Pallavi. It is considered as the opening verse of Varnam.1

Other uses

Pallavi in Sanskrit is used as an adjective or a verb with appropriate suffix to denote a small and tender red-coloured leaf of a plant or a tendril.2

References

References

  1. "Varnam in Carnatic Music". Musikclass. Musikclass. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  2. Sanskrit Dictionary for Spoken Sanskrit. Spokensanskrit.de. Retrieved on 23 February 2017.