Trace the tradition back through the millennia

Tamil music encompasses a colourful spectrum of subgenres—ancient, folk, Carnatic and film music. Following a tradition that goes back thousands of years, Tamil music connects artists and listeners to their ancient cultures, customs and beliefs. Going further back, ancient Tamil music focused on literature and narrative poetry set to instrumentation. Carrying forward the traditional styles from that ancient era, Tamil folk is more vivacious and best experienced at a live performance. But credit for putting Tamil music on the map goes to Carnatic and film music.

Carnatic—also known as the music of Gods—is a form of Indian classical music. It flourished during the 16th and 17th centuries under composers like Muthu Thandavar, Arunachala Kavi and Marimutthu Pillai. Famously known as the Tamil Trinity, they composed hundreds of devotional songs in Tamil and helped the evolution of Carnatic music that continues to thrive spectacularly today. Thanks to great concert musicians such as the late M. S. Subbulakshmi, L. Subramaniam, Vikku Vinayakram and many others, the torch of Carnatic music continues to burn brightly. Tamil film music—a beautiful, colourful mélange of Carnatic, Western and other instruments—varies in melodic range and rhythmic patterns. Known for its innovation and eclecticism, the Tamil film music industry has given birth to several talented composers, the most famous being A. R. Rahman and Ilaiyaraaja. In the late 20th century, Tamil film music flourished in the mainstream, thanks to hits like Rahman’s "Roja" and "Uyire", followed by "Patti Rap" and "Urvashi". With its wider audience, it also found broader influences, incorporating live instruments and hints of techno, funk and hip-hop. With such variety on offer, Tamil music defies language barriers and is enjoyed the world over.