The Music and Musical Instruments of Southern India and the Deccan c9.217

c9.217

A composition called Râga-mâlika, or “garland of râgas,” is occasionally heard. As the name implies, it is a song that modulates into many different râgas. A râga-mâlika consists of a pallevi or refrain, and stanzas. The pallevi is employed only at the beginning and at the conclusion. The stanzas are usually uneven in number. Each stanza employs a different râga, the name of which must be mentioned in the words, in order that the audience be able to follow and appreciate the performer's skill. The tâla remains the same throughout.