Ragam Thanam Pallavi (RTP) is a significant, improvisational segment in Carnatic music showcasing a musician's skill, featuring elaborate exploration of a Raga (melody), a rhythmic section called Tanam, and a concluding section centered on a short lyrical phrase (the Pallavi) with intricate variations, often including niraval(improvising on lyrics) and kalpanaswaras (melodic patterns)
Carnatic music ( Karnaṭaka sangitam ) is a system of music commonly associated with Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Most Carnatic compositions are only in Telugu and Sanskrit. The main emphasis in Carnatic music is on vocal music; most compositions are written to be sung, and even when played on instruments, they are meant to be performed in gāyaki (singing) style.