| Purandara
Dasa (1484-1564), a celebrated poet, mystic and composer of Vijayanagar,
taught Karnatic music in a systematic manner. His method of teaching
(abhyasa ganam) consists of a graded course comprising some primary
lessons (alamkara) and small didactic and devotional songs (gita).
The teaching method created by Purandara Dasa is still followed today and
provides the common denominator for all Karnatic musicians.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the important kriti form of song was refined by the great composer Tyagaraja (1767-1847). Tyagaraja's songs still serve as models for most contemporary compositions in Karnatic music. Several other forms of compositions further enrich every musician's repertoire. The present concert format (kacheri paddhati) evolved in the course of this century. Professional musicians used to be trained in the private environment, the household (kula) of a teacher (guru). Such an apprenticeship was therefore called gurukulavasa. Now, major institutions such as Kalakshetra College (Madras) have taken over as far as the training on a professional level is concerned. Yet every musician also continues to cultivate a relationship with a master musician on the lines of the gurukula. Ludwig Pesch on South Indian (Carnatic) Music
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