In Silappathikaram, Ilango Adigal provides invaluable insights into the anatomy, structure, notes, and scales of Tamil music during the Sangam era. This classical Tamil epic is a significant record of ancient Tamil Isai (music) and its theoretical foundation.
1. Tamil Music System – Structure and Notes
The ancient Tamil music system, as reflected in Silappathikaram, shares similarities with modern-day Carnatic music but has its unique features. It was highly structured and built around:
Seven Notes (Ezhisai - எழிசை):
The Tamil music system used a seven-note scale, referred to as "Ezhisai":
- Kural (குரல்) - Sa (Shadjam)
- Thuttham (துத்தம்) - Ri (Rishabham)
- Kaikkilai (கைக்கிளை) - Ga (Gandharam)
- Uzhai (உழை) - Ma (Madhyamam)
- Ili (இலி) - Pa (Panchamam)
- Vilari (விலரி) - Dha (Dhaivatam)
- Tharam (தாரம்) - Ni (Nishadam)
This is equivalent to the Sapta Swaras (Do-Re-Mi scale) in later Carnatic music, showing that Tamil music already had a well-established structure.
2. Scales (Pann - பண்): The Melodic Framework
In Silappathikaram, Pann refers to the Tamil equivalent of the Raga in Carnatic music. It serves as the melodic foundation of songs, dictating the arrangement of notes and the emotional mood of the music.
Types of Panns:
- Marudappann: Calm and meditative, associated with devotion.
- Sempalai: Expresses joy and celebration.
- Sadari: Reflects sorrow and pathos.
- Kausikam: Evokes love and romantic moods.
These Panns were carefully chosen for their ability to communicate specific emotions (Navarasas).
3. Rhythm and Tala
Rhythm in Tamil music was as significant as melody. Silappathikaram emphasizes the use of Tala (rhythm cycles), which governed the tempo of the performance.
- Talam (தாளம்): Refers to rhythmic patterns created with percussion instruments like Parai and clapping.
Tempos varied to suit the mood:
- Vilambita Tala: Slow pace for devotional or sorrowful songs.
- Madhyama Tala: Medium tempo for general storytelling.
- Druta Tala: Fast pace for celebratory and festive music.
4. Instruments and Musical Harmony
The epic highlights the harmony created by instruments that accompanied singers and dancers. Key instruments used include:
String Instruments:
- Yaazh (யாழ்): A harp-like instrument producing soft, melodic notes.
Variants like Sengottu Yaazh and Periya Yaazh were tuned to different scales.
Percussion Instruments:
- Murasu (முரசு): A large drum for festivals and war announcements.
- Parai (பறை): A rhythm instrument for dance and rituals.
Wind Instruments:
- Flute-like instruments producing long, soulful notes.
The combination of melody (Yaazh), rhythm (Parai), and voice created a balanced and rich musical experience.
5. Musical Modes (Paadal - பாடல்)
Silappathikaram classifies music into distinct Paadal (songs), depending on their emotional tone and occasion:
- Aham Paadal (அகம் பாடல்): Songs of love, romance, and personal emotions.
- Puram Paadal (புறம் பாடல்): Songs of valor, praise, and external themes like war or heroism.
- Vediyal Paadal: Sacred songs in praise of gods, sung during rituals.
6. Music as a Representation of Emotions
Ilango Adigal emphasizes how Tamil music could evoke and represent the Navarasas (nine emotions):
- Sringaram (Love)
- Karunam (Compassion/Sorrow)
- Veeram (Courage)
- Adbhutam (Wonder)
- Raudram (Anger)
- Bhayam (Fear)
- Bibhatsam (Disgust)
- Shantam (Peace)
The notes, scales, rhythms, and instruments worked together to reflect these emotions perfectly.
Conclusion
Silappathikaram is a musical and literary treasure that documents the anatomy and structure of ancient Tamil music. With its well-defined notes (Ezhisai), melodic scales (Panns), rhythms (Talam), and instruments, it showcases a sophisticated and organized system of music. It demonstrates the Tamil people’s deep understanding of music as an emotional and artistic expression, solidifying Tamil music's place as an early and advanced classical tradition.
