Anupallavi

What does anupallavi mean?

The anupallavi is the second section of a Carnatic (South Indian classical) composition. It follows the pallavi, the opening section that returns as a refrain.

It usually climbs into the upper part of the range, develops the opening idea rather than starting a new one, and leads back to the pallavi.

For example, a usual section order is pallavi, anupallavi, pallavi, charanam, pallavi. The charanam is the concluding section. Here, the anupallavi is the first departure from the refrain before it returns.

This is a short definition. For the full explanation, read BeatRootRaga’s Pallavi, anupallavi and charanam: the three parts of a Carnatic song.

Where can I read more about anupallavi?

The learning page puts the sections together in a typical kriti, the main composed song form of Carnatic (South Indian classical) music. It explains the pallavi, the opening section that returns, alongside the sections that follow it.

The anupallavi is the second section, developing the opening idea. The charanam is the concluding section and usually the longest. This glossary entry gives only a short definition and one example; the linked page is where to read the full explanation.