How images of birds enliven Indian classical music

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Both the Carnatic and Hindustani classical traditions are filled with the songs of birds. Birds soar through compositions, appearing not just as literal references but as rich metaphorical devices that deepen the artistic expression of the pieces.

This isn’t really surprising. Both Hindustani and Carnatic music are based on the sapta swaras or seven musical notes – sa, ri, ga, ma, pa, dha, ni. Among them, the note “ma” (madhyama) is said to have evolved from the cry of the heron or dove, “pa” (panchama) from the cuckoo and sa (shadja) from the peacock.

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