Open Access
Vol. 1, No. 2 (2026)
Postgraduate Scholar, Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Audio Engineer, Mahati Cultural Academy, Malleshwaram, Bangalore
Guru–Śiṣya paramparā is a revered tradition of learning through close mentorship. It is a system rooted in the concept of paramparā, representing an unbroken lineage of knowledge passed from guru to śiṣya through oral tradition. Each disciple becomes a custodian of their guru’s teachings and is entrusted with the responsibility of preserving, practising, and sharing the art form with future generations, ensuring its sustained evolution. This tradition reached its zenith after the enduring impact of the Trinity—Śrī Śyāmā Śāstri, Śrī Tyāgarāja, and Śrī Muttusvāmi Dīkṣitar—a heritage that inspired generations of composers to carry forward their legacy and enrich the field of Karnatic music.
In order to acquire subtle knowledge and reach transcendental realms, it is a prerequisite to find a bona fide guru to ensure qualitative transmission of proficiency. At the same time, it is a coveted desire of every guru to look for the right disciple with whom they can share their knowledge and later impart advanced learning to sincere disciples. Vālājapēṭ Veṅkaṭaramaṇa Bhagavatar was one such devoted chief disciple of Saint Tyāgarāja.
The current case study deals with the profound compositions of Vālājapēṭ Veṅkaṭaramaṇa Bhagavatar, the foremost disciple of Śrī Tyāgarāja. The article explores the melodic, thematic, and structural features of select compositions by Veṅkaṭaramaṇa Bhagavatar, highlighting his distinctive style and lasting contribution to the Karnatic music tradition.
DOI: 10.63752/pijcace.0102W04
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Open Access
Vol. 1, No. 1 (2025)
Visiting Faculty(Karnataka Music), Department of Performing Arts and Culture Studies Jain University, Bengaluru
In the Nadīstuti Sūktās of Vedic scriptures, Goddess Sarasvatī emerged as the divine river of consciousness and enlightenment, nourishing the genesis of Vedic Sanskrit civilisation. This study conducts an in-depth analysis of eleven Sarasvatī kṛtis composed by Saṅgīta Chūḍāmaṇi Prof. R. Visweswaran to examine their musical and lyrical intricacies. The research employs systematic musicological analysis to investigate the employment of rāgas ranging from mēḷa, auḍava, vakra, rakti, and Hindustānī classifications, alongside their corresponding tāḷās. Each composition is analysed for its structural elements, including rāga mudrās, svarākṣarās, chiṭṭe svarās, and madhyamakāla sāhityās, while examining the scholarly integration of the Sanskrit and Telugu languages. The study reveals how these compositions beautifully weave together Vedic philosophical concepts with contemporary musical expression, demonstrating Prof. Visweswaran's mastery in creating devotional music that bridges ancient wisdom with modern artistic sensibilities. The findings indicate that these kṛtis serve as vehicles for spiritual contemplation while showcasing sophisticated musical craftsmanship, offering contemporary artists profound scope for both devotional expression and technical exploration in Carnatic music performance.
DOI: 10.63752/pijcace.vol.1.issue.01S.004
41 Downloads
1912 Views
