Natakurinji is a relatively recent raga. There is no reference to this raga in pre-18th century literature.1 The name of the raga suggests that the origins of this raga are in the music of the early Tamils. But, there is not much evidence in support of this hypothesis. Some scholars assign kurinjippan to the contemporary scale Harikambodi. 2 Indeed, Natakurinji does fit in as a janya raga of the Harikambodi mela. However, there appears to be no pan equivalent of Natakurinji in vogue. Musicological works like the Sangita Makarandam (ca. 7th century CE) and the Caturdandi Prakasika (ca. 17th century CE) contain no references to Natakurinji. According to Prof. Janakiraman, Tulaja's Sangita Saramrta (ca. 1735 CE) refers to this raga. Natakurinji is also described in Govinda's Sangraha Coodamani (ca. 19th century CE). The descriptions of Natakurinji in these two treatises coincide approximately with the raga's current form.

It is interesting to note that quite a few Tamil lyrics associate the name Natakurinji with natyam (dance), the most popular being kavalaiyai teerpatu natiya kalaiye. Composed by Papanasam Sivan, this song appeared in the movie Sivakavi (music director: G. Ramanathan). The singer was the rage of the day, M. K. Tyagaraja Bhagavatar.