Tamil classical music, known historically as Pann Isai (பண்ணிசை), represents one of the world's oldest codified musical systems. Detailed descriptions of pitch intervals, musical instruments, and acoustic science appear in the 2nd-century epic Silappatikaram.
The Ezhisai System (Seven Swaras)
Ancient Tamil music recognized a seven-note diatonic scale termed Ezhisai (ஏழிசை), which directly corresponds to modern Carnatic notes: Kural (Sa), Thutham (Ri), Kaikkilai (Ga), Uzhai (Ma), Ili (Pa), Vilari (Dha), and Tharam (Ni).
Mapping Ancient Panns to Carnatic Ragas
During the Bhakti movement, Tamil saint-poets Sambandar, Appar, and Sundarar composed thousands of Tevaram hymns set to specific Panns. Musicologists map ancient Panns like Panchamam to Ahiri, Pazham Panchuram to Sankarabharanam, and Sevvazhi to Yadukula Kambhoji.