How images of birds enliven Indian classical music

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.

So it is only natural that birdsong has played an important role in Indian classical music. Here are some examples.

In the Hindustani music bandish Piyu Piyu Ratata, for instance, the plaintive calls of birds such as the common hawk cuckoo, the koel and the peacock evoke a yearning for a beloved.

Thiruppavai, a collection of hymns by the 8th-century Tamil Bhakti mystic poet Andal, centres around the theme of devotion for Perumal (god) and features many birds including black birds, hens, koels and parrots.

Andal goes beyond literal reference to these birds. She uses a...

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