The Celestial Nagasvaram - Hardcover

Geetha Rajagopal

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 819270212X ISBN 13: 9788192702124

Publisher: D.K. Printworld, 2015

Synopsis

Nagasvaram, world s loudest non-brass acoustic instrument, is known as mangala vadyam (auspicious instrument), and raja vadyam (king of all instruments). This popular wind-group musical instrument is well known all over the south Indian states, more specifically in Tamil Nadu. Its origin is associated with the Thiruvarur Temple and its legacy continued all through the Pallavas, Colas, Pandyas, Nayakas, and Marathas. It has imprinted its sheen on all the rituals, especially, on the temple festivals and marriages. This book makes an in-depth study of the history of evolution, penetration and growth of nagasvaram into the cultural moorings of south India over a period of 800 years. It makes a systematic study of nagasvaram (myths associated with it, its making, types, etc.), its accompanying instruments, its relevance in temple festivals, marriages, the traditions associated with nagasvaram, its prevalence and acceptability in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala, in addition to Tamil Nadu where it rules the roost. It widely introduces the great maestros of nagasvaram, for whom it was a nishkama karma. Kings, temples and mathas were the promoters of this blissful instrument. At present this artform faces severe challenges from the all-pervasive Western musical instruments. The author suggests ways and means of how to maintain the legacy of nagasvaram live, and the need to preserve the rich heritage of our musical tradition for the benefit of our posterity to realize the Supreme Bliss in their life. This book, rare of its kind, will enthrall those who are keen on instrumental music, especially the faculty, students, and professionals in the field of music, religion and art.

About this title

About the Author:

Geetha Rajagopal s tryst with Carnatic Music began during her formative years in Bangalore when she picked up the subtle nuances of this rich art form. In 2000 she took over as the Executive Director of Sampradaya one of the world s richest Carnatic Music Archives that began its operations in 1980 with a grant from Ford Foundation. She revitalized the organization with a series of programmes and workshops. She has done a 30 minute documentary A Tryst with the Trinity as a part of Ford Foundation project. She also embarked on an ambitious Sangeet Natak Akademi s research project on Music Traditions in South Indian Temples for which she was awarded the Senior Fellowship. She has authored two books Music Rituals in the Temples of South India and Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitar: Exploring the Six Facets of the Genius. She has been writing in leading journals on music and her passion Animal Rights and has also authored a book for children Let s Share the World for the Animal Welfare Board of India and Union Ministry for Environment and Forests.

About this edition

• Publisher: D.K. Printworld
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 819270212X
• ISBN 13: 9788192702124
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 195