Desh Thillana Lyrics: Meaning, Structure and Full Composition
MusicChamps
Music Educator
What is Desh Thillana?
Desh Thillana is not a single word but a combination of two — Desh and Thillana.
- Desh is a raag — a melodic framework used in both Hindustani and Carnatic classical music
- Thillana is a type of musical composition in Carnatic music
A Thillana is similar to a Tarana in Hindustani classical music — both are fast-paced and built primarily from rhythmic, meaningless syllables like ta na dhim dere, jham jham jhampa, and thom thom rather than lyrical words. Thillanas are typically performed as the grand concluding piece in classical concerts and Bharatanatyam recitals.
Structure of a Thillana
A Thillana follows a specific compositional structure:
| Section | Role | | -------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | | Pallavi | Opening theme — sets the melodic and rhythmic identity | | Anupallavi | Second section that develops the theme | | Charanam | The body — may include meaningful words | | Refrain | Rhythmic outburst of syllables — the most energetic section |
Full Lyrics — Desh Thillana
Verse 1 — Pallavi
Desh raagam, thillana gati, Thaka dhimi thaka dhimi thaana.
Verse 2 — Pallavi
Nadhroopaka, nadhopaka, Thaka dhimi thaka dhimi thaana.
Verse 3 — Charanam
Sarasamukhi, mrudhu bhashini, Madhura koojitha sangeetha priya.
Sarasa nadha sudha rasika, Sarasa padha nidha paksha vahini.
Refrain
Thara jham jham jhampa nidham nidham, Thom thom thom thom thom thom thom thom.
Outro — Pallavi
Desh raagam, thillana gati, Thaka dhimi thaka dhimi thaana.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Thillana in Carnatic music?
Thillana is a form of composition in Carnatic music that is fast-paced and rhythmically energetic. It is typically the concluding piece in a classical concert or Bharatanatyam recital. Unlike other compositions, it is primarily made up of rhythmic syllables like ta na dhim dere rather than meaningful words.
What is the meaning of Desh Thillana?
Desh Thillana is a combination of two words — Desh (a raag) and Thillana (a type of Carnatic composition). Together it refers to a thillana composed in Raag Desh, which is a Hindustani raag also used in Carnatic music.
What is the difference between Thillana and Tarana?
Thillana is the Carnatic equivalent of Tarana in Hindustani music. Both are fast-paced compositions made of rhythmic syllables rather than words. Tarana uses syllables like ta na dir dani, while Thillana uses syllables like ta na dhim and jham jham jhampa.
Who performs Desh Thillana?
Desh Thillana is a popular composition in the Carnatic repertoire. It has been performed by artists like Apoorva Jayaraman and various Bharatanatyam dancers who use it as the concluding piece of their recitals.
