In Carnatic music, the term “Gamakam” is used instead of “Gamak” in Hindustani music. It refers to ornamental variations in notes, adding depth and expression to a raga’s melody.
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The Hindustani term “Gamak” and the Carnatic term “Gamakam” both refer to note embellishments used in Indian classical music. These ornamentations involve shaking, sliding or oscillating between notes to enrich a melody. Gamakas/gamaks play a crucial role in defining a raga’s identity. Carnatic music has multiple types of gamakas, such as kampitam (oscillation) and sphuritam (repeated notes), while Hindustani music uses gamaks in meend (glides) and andolan (slow oscillations).