kriti

Kriti is primarily a feminine given name of Indian origin. It derives from the Sanskrit word kriti, meaning creation, work, or achievement. In contemporary usage, it is a common name in India and among the Indian diaspora.

In Carnatic music, a kriti (also transliterated kṛti) is a central form of devotional song. These compositions are typically set in a specific raga (melodic framework) and tala (rhythmic cycle). A standard kriti has sections such as pallavi (refrain), anupallavi, and one or more charanams (verses). Many kritis are attributed to the medieval and modern South Indian composers Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Shyama Sastri, collectively known as the Trinity of Carnatic Music, and they form a core repertoire of the concert tradition.

As a name, Kriti is borne by several public figures including Indian actresses Kriti Sanon, Kriti Kharbanda, and Kriti Kulhari.

Beyond these uses, the term is primarily anchored in Indian linguistic and musical contexts; variability in spelling (e.g., Kriti, Krithi, Kṛti) reflects transliteration from Sanskrit.