இசை

Definition

Music — from ancient Carnatic ragas to Ilaiyaraaja and Rahman.

Example

Etymology

'இசை' (isai) comes from the root that signifies sound and melody, reflecting its association with music since ancient Tamil literature. The term has been integral to describing musical forms across different genres.

How & Where It’s Used

Used in both formal and informal contexts, predominantly to reference music in conversations, educational discussions, and performances. It appears in written forms in lyrics, books, and studies of musicology.

Literary Heritage

Cited in many Tamil songs and poems, including famous works like 'Thiruppavai', emphasizing the cultural importance of music.

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