In Carnatic music, a Kriti is a structured composition. Its fundamental parts are the Pallavi, Anupallavi, and Charanam. Composers frequently add decorative angas to Kritis to elevate their musical aesthetic.
Common decorative angas in Kritis include:
Chittaswaram: A melodic swara passage placed between the Anupallavi and Charanam, or following the Charanam.
Muktayi Swaram: A concluding swara phrase, often found in varnams and kritis.
Sahitya bhaga: Lyrical additions that enrich emotional depth.
Madhyamakala sahityam: A section of rapid-paced lyrics designed to emphasize rhythmic complexity.
Purpose:
These angas serve to deepen the raga bhava, enhance laya intricacy, and amplify the expressive quality of the kriti.