Geeta, the simplest music form in Carnatic music, was created by Purandara Dasa in order to introduce talas with sahitya (lyrics).
Though Geetas have no absolutely defined divisions of pallavi, anupallavi or charanas, they may be observed in some cases. Some Geetas contain sections rather than the defined divisions (pallavi etc.). They often have no sangatis or variations, with each swara taking one syllable of the sahitya. The Geeta is sung without repetition from beginning to end. However most Geetas are concluded by repeating a portion of the opening part. Geetas are set in medium tempo and contain no Sangatis or variations and the flow of the music is natural. The theme of the Sahitya (lyrics) is to praise God.
There are three types of Geetas: Sanchari or Samanya Geetas, Lakshana Geetas, and Suladi Geetas. Samanya Geetas are the simple ordinary Geetas and are called by other names such as Sadharana Geeta or Sanchari Geeta. In Lakshana Geetas, the sahitya (lyrics), instead of praising God, enumerates in so many words, the Lakshana of the Raga, in which it is composed-giving amongst other details, its Vakra Swaras, Graha, Nyasa, Amsa Swaras and lastly its parent Raga (Melakarta raga).
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