T.M. Krishna : A lot of dirt in the world of Carnatic music
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ม.ค. 2014
- A face to face with T.M.Krishna has spoken out about the problems in the world of Carnatic music and the Sabha scenario. He also speaks about his book, 'A Southern Music - The Karnatic Story', for which he has got a lot of critical acclaim.
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My Guru Shree Neyyaattinkara Vasudevan was a cherished & celebrated musician who was given a State funeral with high regard. He belonged to an untouchable caste. KJ Jesudoss was not only accepted as a shishya but also was loved as a son by Chembai the then doyen of carnatic music. His body was kept waiting for Jesudoss to arrive to perform his last rites. They both sang together in Guruvayoor temple for a literally overflowing crowd. John Higgins was another cherished & loved musician. His records sold very well. Sheikh Chinnamoulana was a very popular musician who has played even for our family marriages. We are brahmins.
Yes, no popular accompanists played for women, not even for MS Subbulakshmy or MLV. Palghat Mani Iyer was an exception. He was a Keralite. That showed in his attitude. We Keralites are proud of him.
Rest all is bullshit. As Nithyashree put it very beautifully for a question about this book, "You need only 2 ears to learn music". Women don't discuss his kurtas. What a bakwaas !
Creativity has its own way of showing. Nobody can suppress anybody in this day & age.
What a terrific post! Must have been a privilege learning from a doyen like Sri Neyyaattinkara Vasudevan!
Yes. When I asked him whether he'd accept me as his shishya, he thought for a moment. I said we'll give any amount he demanded. He banished it immediately saying that he was not thinking in terms of money. That he knew we'd give more than expected. So he wouldn't talk about it. He hesitated for a moment to say that he belonged to a caste from whom people wouldn't accept even water & I was an upper caste brahmin which brought tears in my eyes. I told him not ever to mention that again because my people though are orthodox knew the value of art esp classical music because both my parents & both our extended families were so deep into it that if I talk about it this post would become too long. So I'm stopping it here. The gist of the matter is that a கலைஞன் or artisan had no caste except that he/she was an artisan. I said they'd be hurt if I told them what he said. It was then that he accepted me as a student, after listening to my rendering a few keerthanams. I used to go to his house everyday, sometimes with my JVC tape recorder. He used to bully me for fun by telling other students, "See this is what is called 'higher studies'. She uses technology to learn CM" & they used to laugh. He used to keep the recorder for sometime to record some good concerts which he thought would help me improve. A great man. Yes, a great experience it was. When he went for concerts outside Kerala, he made me learn some songs from Srimathy Kamala Kailasanathan, his colleague in AIR (Grandmother of Vidhya Balan).
Those days were fun days & we never even thought about caste for a moment. I used to visit my best friends Nahid, Nilofer, Reshma etc. They were Rafi fans. They had a jukebox & we listened to Allah hi Allah & Man thadpath Hari darshan ko aaj together.
How inspiring! One can almost vividly picture how the conversation would have gone! Most of the best and transforming experiences in life are unscripted, unmediated by material concerns, untainted by judgments, and they open doors in the mind like no other. Perhaps you should write more about your days as a student and beyond...I am sure there are many such events.
Thanks for the appreciation. I will write whenever time permits. Have a good day.
All brahmins are
Not bad but many are biased
First of all I am a big fan of T.K.K's singing. He has spoken very well. One thing I don't agree is about his comment on Carnatic Music has been brahminical. As some one has stated in the comments below, Purandara dasa the pita maha of Carnatic music was a non-brahmin.
Stalwarts like Chowdiah (Violin), K.J.Yesudas, (Vocal), Chinna Moulana Sahib (Nadaswara) were all non brahmins. No body stopped them from becoming such big names. All that mattered was their music.
Another interesting observation - I learnt classical music for some time at 'Ayyanar School of music' which was started by Vidwan Chowdiah the violin maestro who was from Gowda community. However, to my knowledge 99 percent of the students learning there were all Brahmins.
Ram Prasad sir.. one small correction. Sangeetha pitamaha purandara dasa was a brahmin by birth but was engaged in money lending business before his enlightenment. Having said that another famous dasa.. kanaka dasa was not a brahmin by birth. He was a shepherd but, his guru was none other than vyasateertha (rajaguru of krishnadevaraya). His compositions are sung even today.
According to Wikipedia purandara dasa was a Brahmin....
Cite an example in the recent past a brahmin musician who stopped a non-brahmin from practicing the Southern
Classical music tradition. The blame goes two-ways, non-brahmins do not want to enter the filed because it was
filled with and over the centuries nurtured by Brahmins. Yesudas is one stand out performer who made
as much name as the his brahmin contemporaries without such predefined notions.
Change your attitude. It is an open field. If you do not like the people, your love for the form of music should
not stop you to practice it. Bring the change you want to see.
If a man has dirt in heart, he will see everything dirty. Same is for Krishna. Surprisingly he is not seeing the dirt else where, except in music. Looks like conversion, church crimes, politics doesnt appear dirty to him.
May jesus show him what the real dirt is.
Only when he realizes the dirt inside, he will realize the goodness outside.
He is just a publicity monger
I would say his heart and mind is in the right place and (hopefully) has the musical techniques to back it up. His thoughts are a fresh breath of air that is very badly needed. His attitude is also in the right place. I hope he couples it effectively with his talent to bring about the change he wishes to see.
Natarajan Ganesan
Addendum: It is further worth noting that Western Classical Music and Hindustani classical music have also been attracting less listeners and practitioners. Modern substitutes like pop music and film music have been eclipsing interest in classicism every where. The same case with paintings too. Which labourers and farmers in the West visit art galleries? They are for the moneyed and the elite! When it comes to Hindustani music, again the majority of practitioners and listeners are Brahmins (and some Muslims too).
The Classic performers often don't even educate the audience by announcing the raga, tala and composer which hardly takes a minute!! It is only by giving that others can take! All performers should learn this. The Tamil performers don't even learn Telugu and Sanskrit very often and sing like parrots without understanding the full sahitya. Without knowing the meaning of sahitya, vocals lose their spiritual resonance.
V.S. Gopalakrishnan It has been said, when civilisation rises (in the sense of concrete jungles, ubiquitous gadgetry to beckon disease in those who are fooled to misuse them), culture declines. But then again, culture has been redefined to mean what is corruption of good taste.
Be happy that at least some people are still interested in classical music, whether they are Brahmins or not. All music is music. If villagers sing in Janapada or folk music or tatwa pada, it is as pleasant as classical music. Classical musicians themselves have the illusions that they sit at the top of music!
very refreshing interview; thank you (:
My own study of Carnatic music and musicians' biographical accounts tells me that the Brahmins have contributed immensely to the growth and introduction of innovations of this superior system of music. They have been interacting quite reasonably closely with several other communities for helping this growt -- depending on the parronage of rich landlords, royal admirers, for ex., not just for their subsistence, which many of the Brahmin musicians shied away from, or spurned, preferring relative poverty which was considered for creation of spiritual and music and fostering it thru lines of disciples, 'shishyas'. Muttuswami Dikshitar, a great Carnatic composer, is said to have richly benefitted by exchanges of musical knowledge with the traditional temple piper community of Nadaswaram vidwans who were culturally more Brahminical than many of the creators and practitioners of C. music.
So what is TMK planning to do to change anything? Is he bringing dalit accompanists to every one of his concert? Would love to hear how he is leading the transformation beyond sharing his "strong" views? I wish Headlines Today quizzed him on these lines.
Great point!
After 10 minutes of listening, it still isn't clear what bugs him!
VERY INTERESTING DISCUSSION
HEARTILY WELCOME
ALL THE BEST
It is true that very rarely we hear the NADHASWARAM concert in Sabhas Shri.Rajarathnampillai, Karukurichy,namagiripettai,thiruvizha are some of them can really produce the nadham through the nadhaswaram from their nabhi .You can have plenty of sishyas of the above legends and they are not in a position to exhibit their talents Hope Shri. T M krishna's book may be an eye opener for them. Kerala may be an exceptional -(those who have the interest irrespective of any community learn the carnatic music and try perfecting the art without harming the essence of it).I wish Shri.T M Krishna to come out with the book besides place my appreciation .
This guy is eccentric. Total nonsense. I am not going to listen to his music anymore. Self imposed Ban on this guy.
When one sees a lot of dirt, most of the dirt could be in one's vision.
Sir, but it requires a legend like him with a trained eye to point out what lay men either don't care or don't see, He is speaking for the art form and not the profession itself and for his mastery over this art form we hvae to respect his views.
Shivaraj R A legend, that's a tall claim! There seems to be more angst than understanding. Completely uninspiring to me. From raga, a journey into raga dwesha. Nothing comes out of such imbalance. There indeed are a thousand injustices all round us. Raging at them does not help. Doing something quietly does.
exactlyyyyyyy u r right mr.narasimhan
Thanks, Lakshmi Pillai.
Very vaguely put, I would say. Dwelling on what part of the vision could be the dirt would help. Being a keen patron myself and having heard a couple of his performances, I feel his his heart and mind is in the right place. I wouldn't rush to call him a legend though :)
Fully confused thoughts. TMK should train enthusiastic youngsters to grow Carnatic music with his gifted voice & in-depth knowledge instead of entangling in controversy. Learning Carnatic music has more relevance to the family brought-up and Bhakti, which he should inculcate to his disciples.
The musical divide based on caste is a function of how divisive caste has been. As TMK alluded to, the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu has had a lot to do with stigmatizing and shaming "brahmin" culture (I am not saying that's right or wrong, just stating the fact). I see a lot of people doing a contrast with Yesudas. In comparison, Kerala is much more inclusive (and natural) in bringing different castes and religions into Carnatic music because they aren't socially as fragmented as Tamil Nadu is.
Prasanna Padmanabhan Have you heard of Sheik Chinna Moulana and his family traditional practitioners of Nadasvaram ? Have you heard of Tiruppambaram Swaminatha Pillai, of Palani Subramania Pillai,Madurai Somasundaram (Somu) ... -- who have been honoured not just with awards or titles, but more importantly, by massive, eager audiences wherever they held music feasts in parties of musicians. What fragmentation are you talking about. Brother, we are not here into stupid political discussions mixing with religion, social justice, language, race, etc.
@@balumuthu Don't count exceptions as the norm. Such examples are just a handful
Salute to you Mr . Krishna
Listen to KJY in his 78. Legends are self made.
Living in Mylapore makes a large difference.
Nice discussion.
great
He said the fact! .. I recently went to my friend's marriage. There were only few people listening to carnatic concert in the marriage hall and the performers were brahmins! .. I, myself being a carnatic learner felt ashamed! we follow many western trends in the present world. Its our duty to make our literature, products and other traditional values disseminate worldwide. This is a right time to do it. I bet you cannot revive the dead art. Time to wake up!
Yesudasji being born into a christian family also suffered the prejudice from ´brahmin caste´. Chembai bhagawathar was not racist in teaching him carnactic music. I enjoy Dasji´s carnactic music filled with devotion and feeling than who try to show off their musical technical abilities
This is totally confusing. Did Chembai not take YesudasJi? Do you know how many millions (including brahmins) absolutely adore YesudasJi? Was Sheik Chinnamoulana, a person of islamic faith, also discriminated against? If so, how come he was the 'AsthAna vidwAn' or Sri Ranganathaswamy temple, one of the holiest temples in India? Was Madurai Somu a brahmin? He was a true super-star of carnatic music....I know from people who have had personal knowledge that he was practically on the move every day because there were just not enough days in the calendar to meet the demand for his music, and his listeners were people from all parts of the society. This music comes from Hinduism in which even the so-called animal forms are worshipped....what TMK is tell is a travesty. He knows that. But this kind of garbage sells, so, naturally, he keeps peddling this kind of thoughts.
tony thomas
You can hardly distinguish between caste and race. And the last sentence even allowing for poor grammar is quite false!
There will always be mixed view on this topic. Some of you have praised him comments and some have heavily criticised. I would like to share an information. I read in one of the comments about Dasettan and it rang a bell. What TMK is pointing out is extremely credible and valid. I have learnt Carnatic music in Kalpathy, Palakkad from a veena vidwan who also happens to be Dasettan's best friend. When ever Dasettan used to come and perform for the famous Kalpathy Car festival, he used to stay at my Guru's house or atleast visit him. My Guru had told me that in the early days when Chembai Bhagavathar was training Dasettan, he used to teach his outside the house. Since he was a Christian, he was not allowed to enter the house. Only after Dasettan had become one of his favourite students and earned his trust he was allowed to enter but that too only till first entrance. My next Guru was Reji George, a Christian who was trained by KVN ayya. I was studying in Chennai and continued training in Carnatic with him. He was quite good too, better than many who perform today at the Music festival. He used to tell that it was difficult for him to perform in the Margazhi Utsavam. He was not encouraged by the committee. He used to go tor a lot of concerts in United States because there he did not have to face the problem of caste.
Totally agree. I don't know much about music, but what he mentioned seem to be right. Majority are Brahmins, and very few are non Brahmins.
Any music is just not raga , taala and pallavi . It is the bhaava , the devotion and the joy one experiences in dissoving oneself in singing the glory of God . Afterall music connects with the divine and not politicians .
Well done, Krishna. No that I have perfectly the same view. But love his openness; we had few unhealthy reaction when #jyotsnasrikanth / #violinjyotsna #indianviolin #jyotsnastrings spoke about gender bias: www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/Can-I-dance-to-the-tune-too/2013/05/20/article1597947.ece
if the link does not work this is what she said
******************************
"Gender discrimination still exists
Though the allure of classical music has attracted many from far and beyond, there is a dark side to it. Many female musicians feel that gender discrimination is quite rampant. Though some faced discrimination, some ignored it; others claimed that they never had any issues at all. Jyotsna Srikanth, violinist, spoke at length about the problem she faced as an artiste and why other women musicians are not raising their voice against it.
Recalling the bitter experiences, she said, “I faced gender discrimination at the age of 9 when I started accompanying Carnatic artistes on violin. Once in a Thyagaraja Aradhana conducted by a city-based organisation, I was asked to get off-stage as I was not eligible to accompany a male vocalist for he didn’t prefer a female accompanist. When this incident took place, I was only 10 years old. Since then, many episodes have gone unsaid. This encouraged me to find my own path that would not be dependent on male chauvinistic artistes.” According to her, though the scenario has change to a large extent, Carnatic Music for ages has been a male dominated world. She also said that gender bias is deep rooted in Carnatic music like corruption in the country. Citing one of the reasons, she said, “Maybe artistes want to stick to tradition even now when it comes to Carnatic music,” she added.
Many women ghatam and mridangam artistes, when interviewed, said that they haven’t faced any such problem and many have decided to live with it. Why are women not coming forward to speak about the discrimination they undergo?
“Women artistes do not voice their opinion against male artistes as they are scared of the consequences. Recently, I refused to accompany a male artiste as he had refused to perform with me because I was a lady. There was a huge commotion in the Carnatic community. Many female accompanists wrote to me and appreciated me but asked not to reveal this appreciation,” Jyotsana explained"
Man who makes Veena etc knows basic raaga.
He can teach welcome.
One cannot see one's back. It is easy to criticize others.
In my hometown shimoga, in those days, we attended kacheris of greats musicians of South India. Nowadays, no top musician visits shimoga because there is no airport and there are no 5 star hotels.
Instead of criticising, it is better if the 7 star musicians introspect whether they are giving back to society.
Karnatak music started as reform movement by Purandara Dasa, Kanaka Dasa and many others, who were not even Brahmins. TMK who complains about many things, has not even learnt pronunciation of Kannada songs properly.
Well, Purandara dasa was a brahmin. But not karaka dasa and many other. Strictly speaking, even traditionally L natyashastra also mentions that music is free for all irrespective of their varna. There should be not concern in this regard tbh.
Such a perfect interview I have never seen. Good questions, good answers and very precise timing and videography
Yup! Showing performers who are totally unrelated to TMK while he has a field day bashing others is "precise" videography indeed! I hope you are kidding. Good questions, for sure, and corrupt answers to boot. In that sense, it is a perfect example of how to take cheap shots at a community and system that won't retaliate.
Enriching Exchanges appreciate your views. Are you on twitter?
@girish1729 my twitter handle
"Women speculate what kurtas you'd wear" was not only a blatant lie, but also very degrading to women. No sensible woman would go to his concert leave alone for his kurtas.
Nope. Not sure if I can handle Twitter! (pun intended!)
I am a big fan of T.M.Krishna but do not agree with the idea that the Brahmins are responsible for isolating the other communities from participating this art. Lately, there is a lot of exposure to this ancient art through TV and if other communities are interested and wish to learn, their is no barrier. It is wrong to say that Brahmins practice discrimination. His ideas are coloured by leftist and Western writers who have been targeting the Brahmin community. The Brahmins are a minority and powerless now, so, why blame them? Has TM Krishna refused to train students who are outside of his community?
i not only fully endorse the opinions expressed in this talk,rather very frankly and fourth rightly by sri TM KRISHNA,,,he is hitting the ''bull's eye'' of carnatic music and the unfortunate political legacy it has bequethed to the next generations of musicians,when he says that there is lot of dirt in the world of carnatic music is abundantly true in my opinion.....these so-called exponents of a genre of music have the worst kind of politics on can think of....
I think the discussion should be around how to reformat concerts in carnatic music to the tastes of today's audience. Mere technicals are not going to draw the crowd and music needs to include more of bhava (emotional) and saahitya and should cater to multi-language audience. I see this lacking very much in today's performances especially with popular artists. Mere show of paanDitya might please some well trained musicians in the audience, but larger audience would look forward to feel the bhava of Devotion that can touch their hearts.
Lot of dirt in TMK's mind..
Wow! Pithy and perfect comment! Bravo!
Speaking of his 'inclusivity' argument, I would also say this 'dominance', in a way, has been kind of imposed on Tambrahms (and their kin 'brahms' in the neighboring states), with 'others' weaning away themselves for reasons best known to them. I guess it also stems from the fact that most of the compositions (thus far) have tended to be devotional. Since the word ' devotional' carried alongwith it, its own connotations in the era of 'rational' approaches, the last few decades have pretty much left the Tambrahms holding on to area of arts. So in that sense I am not sure if his 'inclusivity' statement gathers much weight there.
👍👍👍
TM. Krishna.... love you
TMK is wrong. Inclusivity cannot be forcefully brought up. There are music colleges where anybody can apply if they are interested in music. You don't drag somebody walking in the street and get them into music instruction. On the other hand, what has TMK done so far to bring students from all communities and teach them? It is obvious he is a finger pointer. He then walks off after making a noise. There may be a few takers of his argument but many others will reject his outburst..
Like others have mentioned, this is like a book-promotion tour for him. He is an accomplished in that he is able to get people to pay for his singing. But he is not a social researcher, much less a reformer. Out to sell a book and make a buck. Pure and simple.
Talent is always welcome in Classical music; If you have talent you will get the audience. I have a counter question.. why are not there so many brahmins in Nadhaswaram/Thavil area ? Is it discrimination ? I feel TM krishna view very prejudiced and more sales oriented. Why are there not so many brahmins as shopkeepers ? Is it discrimination ?
Great point!
Very good.
I share the views of Mr. T.M. Krishna. Music is Universal and if Carnatic Music is extended to all communities in India, It is certainly and unfortunately due to Caste system. Personally, I enjoy listening to Carnatic music and wish opportunities are provided by the Governament School When I use to live in India, Nathasuram and the corresponding drum used to be played by the Maruthwa community ( Barbar's ) who played in Temples and in weddings. But they never had other opportunites. People like Mr. Krishna could raise the consciousness of the country and also voluntarilly be supported by those who are previlleged.
Way to go Krishna. Loving music for the sake of music. Carnatic music should become a universal music.
And who is stopping it?
It takes courage to say what you have said, TMK. People will distort what you say without listening carefully to what you are saying. There will be that knee jerk reaction, always. Nevertheless, only established artists like you can bring about change. I hoe that more musicians of your generation face the reality as it is and speak up. Best wishes!
Very different thought process. If one thinks that the Carnatic music Gurus are discriminating against the non Brahmins; does any thing stop one from starting a music school, with him at the helm that will admit only non Brahmins? Coming from a presumably affluent family background, one could well afford to fund it or with his popularity as an accomplished artist, get it funded with the support of the so called champions of anti-Brahmin movements.
Why did he also have to take in Brahmins as his so called disciples.
One will do well to practice what one preaches. In a free country like India, in today's scenario, it is even illegal to practice discrimination. Even many of the famous present day heroines in Tamil film world are Brahmins. Does it mean that there is a discrimination against non- Brahmins there.
Bharatanatyam was never practiced by the Brahmins those days and now almost all those who teach this and perform are Brahmins.
Will it be wrong to say then, that Brahmin community, because of its passion towards fine arts like dance, music and acting, is clinging on to it against all odds? Should they be hailed for it or chided? Nothing prevents any so called non Brahmin from learning and mastering this art? Is it not so heartening to see how this complex and skillful art of Carnatic music that encompasses mathematics, voice culture and deep knowledge of swaras is being practiced and popularised even in the U.S.A. by such young children?. Just because it is practiced mostly by Brahmin kids there, could one accuse the community of discrimination even in a foreign country?
As a person who has grown up in an environment with Brahmin minority and studied in schools and colleges where people from the so called oppressed communities were the majority, one can say with conviction that it is only a myth that in Tamilnadu it is still possible to practice discrimination.
For an accomplished singer who has probably been the beneficiary of many a selfless Brahmin teacher, nothing will be a stumbling block to take his equality message to the mass and be a torch bearer and forerunner in empowering the so called non Brahmins in Carnatic music.
Are not the likes of Ramanujachariar, Bharathiyar, Vaidynatha Iyer and many others who spearheaded social equality are Bhramins
I am sure the entire Brahmin community is behind his effort and will wish him best of luck in this crusade.
Absolutely agree! Well said! He is taking cheap shots because he can....not because he cares.
kaygee I think now that many (certainly not all) Brahmins have become un-Brahminical in their cultural and spiritual preferences, the non-Brahmins should become more Brahminical - withdrawing from vulgarities, indoctrination in racialist, communal and other divisive fictions. If the cup is already filled with wine, how can you use the same for tea for drinking, without throwing out the other stuff ? One of my learned Indian friends enlightened me for my research on divisive isms of the world, that countless number of castes came outside India, but Varnas, numbering just four, are originally Indian, and are a product of wisdom of India's Rishis who found it sensible to group the castes into broad bands of just four depending on the proportion of spiritual (distinct from intellectual) and mundane propensities inherent to individuals -- in other words, the Varnas are not based on heredity but the inborn DNAs passed through an infinite line of ancestors on both sides involved in the birth process of each individual. This discovery contained in India's Vedas could be the ultimate in genetics, and we know how probability operates in this matter. That said, I reiterate my earlier point, that it is entirely within the power of the people in the non-Brahmin categories to discipline themselves gradually on the lines defined for Brahminical persons. That will likely take a long time to happen, meanwhile Krishna and like spirited people can try their hand at strengthening inclusivity in South Indian classical music. There have been but too many instances of artistic flowers blossoming everywhere regardless of labour divisions (castes) but 'blushing unseen' for want of encouragement, projection and patronage, for which Krishna devise some strategy and methods and organise.
Krishna is most likely marketing himself. There is no evidence as of date that he has actually acted out in a manner that reflects his concerns about the so-called discrimination he rails about. There are plenty of so-called not-brahmin-by-birth that have recieved the highest level of respect in carnatic music. Separately, your friend's notion of varnashrama dharma is simultaneously wrong and internally contradictory. In addition, he/she seems to be either ignorant of the scriptures or ignorant of his/her ignorance. The concept of varnashrama as being based on birth is a bunch of hogwash perpetrated by the intellectually perverted and sucked up by the intellectually lazy. Four functions are needed in any productive society; knowledge-generation that distinguishes yet recognizes the importance of the spiritual and material, defense of the material, trading of the material, and the human power to facilitate the above three. Nothing in any of these functions is superior or inferior. There are brahmin-by-birth individuals who have been extinguished and made example of for their turning out to be rascals (e.g., ravana), and there the so-called not-brahmin-by-birth entities that have been embraced by the Lord (e.g., Hanuman, Sugreeva, Guha, Vibheeshana). Birth is a false basis for function. First get rid of that misperception.
The role of and relationship between the spiritual and material is settled beautifully in the Bhagavad Gita. Arjuna asks Krishna, why should I fight in order to understand my true nature. For that Krishna says, using your material body to dispassionately do your duty, deriving neither pleasure nor pain from the outcome, is the only way for you to realize that your true nature is separate from that of your material endowments. Human life is a workshop in which we use our physical form and the social duties to realize that our true nature transcends the limitations of the body. Thus the material is needed to realize the spiritual beings that we are. This is true regardless of who were are born of or what we do.
Krishna has shown no evidence of being a "spirited person". To me throwing around the brahmin card is a classic exercise in demagoguery that usually gets a lot of attention. I do not know for sure, and I will not claim that I do, but his sudden interest in the so-called secularization of carnatic music smells of an easy and cheap attempt at attention-getting. I will be glad to change my mind if someone can produce examples of his actually acting out on his so-called principles without fanfare.
One has touched upon various deep subjects..A. Brahminism. B. Varnashramam C. Concern for Carnatic music and D.Social activism..
Hinduism is a way of life and not a religion. Every aspect of Hinduism has evolved from the grass root level and has emanated from radical human thought process for comfortable human existence. The time tested practices are never preached or tutored. Hinduism is a classic example of a society following the 'bottom up' approach and not 'top down'
Now, taking the case of Brahminism, one should understand that Brahmins are made and not born. Theoretically a Brahmin's son does not automatically qualify to be called a Brahmin unless he lives the way the scriptures say that a Brahmin follows. It is entirely a different aspect though,that in today's world just claiming to be a Brahmin does not really mean much. It is like a doctor's or engineer's son has to qualify to become a doctor or engineer. Brahminhood is a qualification and not a right. Any one can become a Brahmin by his so called high practices. Though in reality no one wants to become one because it means adhering to such demanding practices and a lifestyle like learning all the scriptures, going from house to house everyday for alms etc., the list of strictures is endless..
Similarly, the so called Varnashramam was again a way of life that evolved. Because each person should do a calling to make a living, according to the ability, skill, taste and opportunity, individuals started belonging to that activity. And over a period of time a farmer's son became a farmer, a trader's son became a trader, a Warrior's son became a warrior pretty much like modern times where a doctor's son becomes a doctor, a politician's son becomes a politician and so on. It becomes easy for the younger generation to continue to practice what his father does as he gets free and most effective tutoring. Simply put, this is how the so called Varnashramam evolved.
Even today an accomplished intellectual is reluctant to share his knowledge without caveats. Otherwise why do we have intellectual rights, patents, trademarks and so on.. In fact in today's software world even entry into some of the offices is prohibited for everyone. Could we then say that they practice discrimination? So why blame Brahmins for not sharing knowledge which is not true. A true Brahmin has to pray for the world and only live on the Alms that the the society offers to him. These all have become theoretical now. It is absurd to talk of discrimination today as it is illegal and banned by law.
Another disturbing fallout of the breaking up of learning the family vocation is that vocational practices like the centuries old skills of making intricate gold jewellery, weaving a fine artistic saree, building a flawless structure like a temple that will last for thousands of years, art of cultivating the land without killing the Mother Earth, the knowledge of living a healthy life by using the native plants, yoga practices and so on...have all become endangered. Alas! What a loss of knowledge that is so essential for a sustainable human existence. Today every body wants to become an employee of a company and become a paid servant. The younger generation is therefore losing a great opportunity to acquire an admired skill free from their best teacher i.e., their skilled family members and are running from pillar to post to get admitted into some school or college and to learn a subject that is alien to them. No wonder then that the statistics says that a larges number of graduates are not employable..God save us all from this tragedy.
Now coming back to the concern on Carnatic Music not being imparted to all, why blame Brahmins?. There is no compulsion that a student should find only a Brahmin teacher.There are even Government run Carnatic music colleges where admission is open for any body who is interested apart from a whole lot of private music classes. It is for the student to choose and not for the teacher. If on the other hand admissions are limited with a skilled teacher and he happens to be a Brahmin, it is probably similar to getting admission in some of the best universities in the world like Harvard or Oxford. The onus is on the student to prove that he is qualified enough to get admission.This world has room for all and no one can take away the opportunity of another person. Rather than finding fault with some one or the other let us try to be pro active and be a role model to the world. 'Sarve Janaa Sukhino Bhavanthu'... 'Lokaa samasthaa Sukhino Bhavanthu'
Very thoughtful!
While I have not read this book on music by TM Krishna, he is entitled to his views just as the current stalwarts in Carnatic music are entitled to theirs. The fact that the carnatic musicians are able to maintain this high level of achievement is due to their established practices and culture and we certainly would not want to jeopardize this. Why not open the universities to all those dedicated to learning this rigorous art form and leave it to the audiences to judge their preferences?
Ilaiyaraja for using a different raga to the original Thyagaraja kriti "mari mari"..is his capacity
The music for common folks (Desi) and music for Gods (Margi) are different........the.present day musicians need to understand this difference.......
Bangalore Kempe Gowda, Violin Master Chowdiah, K J Yesudas...many names ...TMK is totally wrong
Any resemblance with Prabhas
I am a Brahmin...conservative, love and breath the vedas...I agree with TMK....
No doubt carnatic music is of best quality. So everyone should come forward to listen, understand and learn it breaking the barrier of illusion of castism.
For that brahmins have to make to space inclusive
T M Krishna is a gutter inspector in writing the book, and seaking about the lack of inclusivity in a State already divided hugely on the basis of caste and community. The Brahmin community has had this cultural template of nurturing Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam which other communities didn't have. Some tried to cultivate it, and in the early days, there indeed was a dirth for gurus, or a certain lack of readiness from the well-known Gurus, to teach "all and sundry".Late P. Leela, in an interview told me how she and her father went around Madras (Chennai) looking for a teacher willing to impart music to her, and in desperation, telling her father, "let us end this shameful begging" and her father correcting her saying "daughter, you are seeking Vidya, not asking for money;it isnot at all begging in that sense. She eventually found a Brahmin guru, more famous ones later, and earned ever-lasting fame as a musician! Yes,. there is less enthusiasm among the parents and the young now for Carnatic music in spite of the new ways of propagating it, because it is considered "traditional" tradition is considered the opposite of "modernity"!It is simply the inability to connect with the lay persons and the new generation/the generation next that had made Carnatic music making it less popular. Brahmin community somehow continue nurturing tradition, though to a lesser level whereas others abhor and deplore it. In the rush to make money people find Carnatic music an unattractive mode to go for money and fame. If onebecomes a playback singer for movies, one can make hundred times more money.Many youngster learn Carnaticc music these days on the advise of judges of TV channel music contests asking them to learn it! The prospect of making music a career is in playback singing alone. In that context he Brahmin community should be congratulated for continuing the tradition of music!
The dirt you perceive outside is you is your own dirt !
TMK should concentarate on music ... his music still has to go long way to make it hearable. Carnatic music faternity/ presentation are alll very good. Only this man making lots of noice to gather attention with no stuff. Krishna Prasad.
Krishna Prasad Gopalarathnam This is a large grain of truth in what you say. It cannot be denied however that until before a few years, his music was just too good, being fresh with vigour but without those presumptuous airs of which he displays a good sample in this video. As I write this, the Music Academy, which has its inevitable quota of bouques and bricks for its choice of its most coveted Sangita-Kalanidhi (SK), has announced for this year's SK, Sanjay Subrahmanyan (Sanjay Subbu as he is called by his large circle of admirers) for this year's SK. SS excels as much as TMK with his musical virtuosity, but also, unlike the latter, with a more sober and solemn approach in both his music in its several aspects, and also by carefully tempering his utterances and behaviour with seniors in the field who have to help ensure that this great system does not get derailed by shedding the desirable quality of conservatism in an attempt at self glorification.
+Krishna Prasad Gopalrathnam ---- I Agree 100% with your view.
Be happy that at least some people are still interested in classical music, whether they are Brahmins or not, whether they are Muslims or not. All music is music. If villagers sing in Janapada or folk music or tatwa pada, it is as pleasant as classical music. Classical musicians themselves have the illusions that they sit at the top of musical pyramid!
It is sad to say that some people try to hate carnatic music and Brahmins in the pretext of secularism.
TM Krishna has spoken his mind. He does remind us of the historical factors. Non-Brahmins (including Dalits) should be brought within the fold of "Rasikas" first before expecting them to learn and perform. The high-priced tickets do keep the poor out. The rich Koils should arrange free concerts of top performers and promising performers. Then perhaps the number of Rasikas could increase. There is little money in the music profession. Many non-Brahmins take to work in movies, TV serials etc, and there is much better remuneration there. Music competitions for kids on TV channels are perhaps inducing all castes to try their hand in competing. There the classical base automatically crops up. Most Brahmins have been driven out by the Dravida agitations from TN. A time may come when the Tamil Brahmins are all located in the USA only (I know this is a hyperbole). The Carnatic musician Brahmins are the only ones still roughing it out in Tamil Nadu!
V.S. Gopalakrishnan You are right. And you hit the nail on the head. The non Brahmins should upgrade to higher level of tastes if that is the meaning of being Brahminical. Encouragement for them to do so must of course be made liberally available on the classical stages as it is now in light and frivolous entertainment.
There is no need to mix music and politics/caste. Everybody is free to learn, practise, propagate Carnatic music. This is yet another attempt to politicize a core part of Indian culture, and build up a false narrative of oppression and discrimination.
In politics, administrative services, and certain other areas, u can make law and enforce 'inclusivity' to bring in specified categories of people in order to offset certain prejudices, biasses, that are inherent in the systems. But in the field of classical music it seems impracticable, to my mind, since listener appreciation depends on a mature mind of the listener, and creative musical (vocal, instrumental) expression of the musician presupposes intuition/ multi-dimensional imagination in the artiste. It is possible to tap the potential from ALL sections/ communities/ religious groups but all but a tiny section of them has fallen prey to the mediocre fare dished out by the tv channels, that are ad money driven. And carnatic music does not fit thhe bill for these media. That leaves the responsibility for organising patronage for classical music in the South preominantly on the shoulders of the Sabhas in cities and towns. The Brahmin community has been comparatively better as a base for this patronage. Earlier the "Isai Velalar" community was a very important, original contributor in a high class, besides, and both these communities with broad-based people's, governmental and organisationsl support operated as the twin factor to propagate and sustain a very high level of the required taste in classical music resting on religious devotional fervour. This high grade socio-cultural milieu has been very greatly corrupted due to evil forces misusing democratic freedoms by corrupting the tastes of people by pandering to them at a very low level of tastes including sex, violence, and superficialities of various kinds.without a high quality socio-cultural milieu there can be no big progress on intellectual and economic fronts, which is the story of most of post-Independence India.
🙏
yesudas dwaram nayudu ms subbulakshmi non brahmans
Yes
The community does not despise them or ridicule or segregate them. They are praised and ms is ragarded as a saint.
But... upper class
As one who has been following the carnatic music scenario I feel that TM Krishna is not correct when he states that the present system of accommodating musicians is not inclusive .A career study of the leading vidvans(read Brahmins) of yesteryears will reveal that they had at some time or other studied under Nadaswara vidvans .While it must be conceded that social injustice was there, artistes belonging to the so called lower castes commanded respect from the upper castes .A few Brahmins have taken to Nadaswaram also.. Most of the sabhas in Chennai do not discriminate any artiste on the basis of his caste or community. A former leading light of the Dravidian movement once remarked that but for Brahmins the art of bharatanatyam would have ended with the abolition of devadasi movement. Unfortunately TMK is echoing the unwarranted remarks made by the political parties in attacking the Brahmins, who rightly or wrongly control a majority of sabhas in the city.
TMK should withdraw his statement. He should try to help erase the widespread anti-Brahmin feelings of animosity, contempt and hatred prevailing in TN by elaborating on the facts made in your comment. Moreover, brahminism is not necessarily by heredity, it is, rather, secured through spiritual and cutural discipline. As Marjorie Bakre, another commenter, has said most of the hereditary professionals of Nadasvaram were highly brahminical. Responsible social and political leaders must inculcate through education a high degree of Brahminical discipline to all who have the aptitutde. That will uplift society.
Also, a certain devadasi singer was given unprecedented patronage and propelled to super stardom by - guess who - Brahmins! They form a majority of not just performers, but also rasikas. TM Krishna should focus on what he is good at - singing.
Unfortunately true that he fears Sanjay or Abhishek This is only because he is unable to compete with them that he takes a short cut route. He has spoken this 10 years back. But shockingly he has not been inclusive in his own concerts...why can't he bring people from urur kuppam to at least play tambura onbthe stage?? Leave alone violin mrudangam. He can only talk or write ....and face people on the social media ....but.no guts to implement or face people directly ..isn't that cowardice?
These people will complain why only American Indians are good in software or why only Germans are good in engineering!
Why just Classical Karnatic music? Is equally valid in Cine music as well. After the highly successful & popular "brahmin" composers in the 1940's to the '60s - G Ramanathan, K V Mahadevan, S V Venkatraman (M S Subbalakshmi's MEERA) and M S VIswanathan, the Dravidian Politics have pushed out all brahmin music composers out of movies. I as a "brahmin" music composer have myself faced this!
2/ Sadly, there seems to have been a decline, or an unhealthy trend, after the reformist communal (anti-caste!) movements of EV Ramaswami Periyar, and the offshoot of Dravidian power politics. In this trend, all the forward communities have been prevented or obstructed from strange theming the good in the musical (and dance) traditions, by channeling popular (in lieu of the richer patrons of the earlier era) support by providing avenues for spreading elevating spiritual music not excluding the older forms like Thevarams of Tamilnadu, Dasara geetas of Karnataka, temple and procession music for the masses (especially the highly refined system followed by Nadaswaram vidwans). In the deteriorating trend, not only Carnatic music's overall elevating devotional and cultural quality has suffered, but it is also being imperceptibly getting approximated to pop forms like fusion and cine music (some Carnatic musicians acting as judges in cine music programs/contests of TV channels for the lure of money, despite the fact unlike in the past cine music has little scope for the creative use of classical musical idioms, most of the composers being no better than half knowledgeable practitioners of the harmonium. A properly conducted, politically un influenced research is called for to get at the factors really affecting the healthy growth of Carnatic music adequately catering to the needs of both the classes' and masses' tastes. Nothing short of temple managements being taken out of political control, for one major specific measure of restoration of the proper role of classical South Indian music will be needed. There could be several other measures.
What a rare and mature thought! Kudos to you!
Yes,Krishna was not expressing his socialist views for"shock value"! He had better targets and finally he is awarded Ramon Magasasay Award! Let's wait and see how he would spend his coming years, working towards inclusive music!
Krishna has most recently said that his identity should not be confined to the field of music - thereby hinting thst he is going to the 'highly honorable' field of politics. Hahha great man.
One has touched upon various deep subjects..A. Brahminism. B. Varnashramam C. Concern for Carnatic music and D.Social activism..
Hinduism is a way of life and not a religion. Every aspect of Hinduism has evolved from the grass root level and has emanated from radical human thought process for comfortable human existence. The time tested practices are never preached or tutored. Hinduism is a classic example of a society following the 'bottom up' approach and not 'top down'
Now, taking the case of Brahminism, one should understand that Brahmins are made and not born. Theoretically a Brahmin's son does not automatically qualify to be called a Brahmin unless he lives the way the scriptures say that a Brahmin follows. It is entirely a different aspect though,that in today's world just claiming to be a Brahmin does not really mean much. It is like a doctor's or engineer's son has to qualify to become a doctor or engineer. Brahminhood is a qualification and not a right. Any one can become a Brahmin by his so called high practices. Though in reality no one wants to become one because it means adhering to such demanding practices and a lifestyle like learning all the scriptures, going from house to house everyday for alms etc., the list of strictures is endless..
Similarly, the so called Varnashramam was again a way of life that evolved. Because each person should do a calling to make a living, according to the ability, skill, taste and opportunity, individuals started belonging to that activity. And over a period of time a farmer's son became a farmer, a trader's son became a trader, a Warrior's son became a warrior pretty much like modern times where a doctor's son becomes a doctor, a politician's son becomes a politician and so on. It becomes easy for the younger generation to continue to practice what his father does as he gets free and most effective tutoring. Simply put, this is how the so called Varnashramam evolved.
Even today an accomplished intellectual is reluctant to share his knowledge without caveats. Otherwise why do we have intellectual rights, patents, trademarks and so on.. In fact in today's software world even entry into some of the offices is prohibited for everyone. Could we then say that they practice discrimination? So why blame Brahmins for not sharing knowledge which is not true. A true Brahmin has to pray for the world and only live on the Alms that the the society offers to him. These all have become theoretical now. It is absurd to talk of discrimination today as it is illegal and banned by law.
Another disturbing fallout of the breaking up of learning the family vocation is that vocational practices like the centuries old skills of making intricate gold jewellery, weaving a fine artistic saree, building a flawless structure like a temple that will last for thousands of years, art of cultivating the land without killing the Mother Earth, the knowledge of living a healthy life by using the native plants, yoga practices and so on...have all become endangered. Alas! What a loss of knowledge that is so essential for a sustainable human existence. Today every body wants to become an employee of a company and become a paid servant. The younger generation is therefore losing a great opportunity to acquire an admired skill free from their best teacher i.e., their skilled family members and are running from pillar to post to get admitted into some school or college and to learn a subject that is alien to them. No wonder then that the statistics says that a larges number of graduates are not employable..God save us all from this tragedy.
Now coming back to the concern on Carnatic Music not being imparted to all, why blame Brahmins?. There is no compulsion that a student should find only a Brahmin teacher.There are even Government run Carnatic music colleges where admission is open for any body who is interested apart from a whole lot of private music classes. It is for the student to choose and not for the teacher. If on the other hand admissions are limited with a skilled teacher and he happens to be a Brahmin, it is probably similar to getting admission in some of the best universities in the world like Harvard or Oxford. The onus is on the student to prove that he is qualified enough to get admission.This world has room for all and no one can take away the opportunity of another person. Rather than finding fault with some one or the other let us try to be pro active and be a role model to the world. 'Sarve Janaa Sukhino Bhavanthu'... 'Lokaa samasthaa Sukhino Bhavanthu'
+kaygee Your extensive letter is nothing but brahman apology. You try to impress on the fact that brahmins or not by birth but by their deed therefore anybody can be a brahmin by doing the right thing. This line of argument is not new and very cleverly used by brahmin community for decades. It is totally disingenuous and drips with wickedness. I think brahmins should have the guts to tell the truth instead of trying to be too clever. I just want to remaind you how the Jews paid for their wickedness in Europe.
It is like dividing into two group and one group is well fed and well trained and the second group undernourished and untrained then bring them together and make them run a race. You know who will win the race so please don't give us a lecture on meritocracy.
+rudraiah rajasekhar I can also say that, this is the line of argument that losers often give - blame others, blame society, blame environment and everything around you except doing introspection.
For instance, Brahmins were systematically denied college seats through the so called reservation system in the 80s and 90s. There was a lot of anguish and anger within that community, but they didn't sit back and keep blaming others. They overcame that by taking education opportunities abroad, entrepreneurship and the current generation is thriving even more than their parents.
In retrospect I believe that reservation system did a lot of good to Brahmins, by making them come out of their comfort zones and explore opportunities beyond their traditional fields of expertise - bureaucracy, govt and banking sector.
We value your style in music. But why this controversial attitude. In every way you wanted to prove, but you already reached every mind's room. Of course you have a unique place and VOICE.
T M Krishna should first understand his level that he is still on the ground. Having a good throat doesn't mean he can rule the music world. He is no greater than Sridhar ayyaval or muthuswami deekshithar or baghavannama bodhendra saraswathi who learnt modern music but still followed tradition of their gurus. Though they learnt modern, they did not compose songs on Christ or alla.
If TMK wants to sing, he can but not publicise that other traditional followers are fools. He showed himself that he is a fool. For mere publicity and foreign trips and awards, it appeared he wanted to be in media limelight.
I feel the guru who taught him will definitely curse TMK. The saying "Vinasha Kaale Vipareeta Buddhih"i is true for TMK. Hope he realizes.
TM Krishnaji...kindly learn to pronounce "Swaminatha paripalayaasu maam" everyone hears you as singing "sumaam"...why bring in dalit politics into Carnatic music? You may even argue for belly dance during Kacheri???? Your book criticized Ilaiyaraja for using a different raga to the original Thyagaraja kriti "mari mari"....does that mean only TM Krishna has the right to change anything?? Try to learn something from Ilaiyaraja without being a dalit feeler. The Brahmin community has been keeping the flame of Carnatic music throughout centuries...atleast give due credits.
Dear sir, rightly said. You hit the nail on the head!
vidhyasagar gurumoorthi he deserve your comment!!!!
Whoaaa spot on.
an rationalist neo subramanya bharthi nalla kaalam varugudu vandiriikudu, gooood tm krishan
someone give tm k email lets congragulate him
I have lost all interest in anything from him after this utter nonsense. Nothing he says is substantiated. At this day and age when there are very few things of purity like the Carnatic music, he is trying his best to discredit this art form that has made him what he is now. He didn’t have to create dirt in something pure.
Why bash Amrtya Sen?
T M Krishna, you are great..really great..I would request you, popularise Carnatic music in a big way....who ever interested, let them all get the benefit..!!!!!
If Carnatic music has been largely brahminical it's because the community has contributed to it. I don't believe that Carnatic music is biased against non brahmins. If that were indeed the case, a Mandolin Srinivas should never have risen to the heights he did.
It's more of whether you 'look' Brahmin or not. If you're dark-skinned with Dravidian features it's a totally different story. There are perhaps a few exceptions like Sanjay Subrahmanyan.
Completely agree with you Ramya Krishnamurthy. You can include the following giants in the list. Sheik Chinnamoulana. Madurai Somu. T N Rajaratnam Pillai. Dakshinamurthi Pillai. K J Yesudas. The argument of Sri T M Krishna is a purely inductive one, and it is rubbish. There are far more women who take to Bharatanatyam, but does that it means men are discriminated against. It is called self-selection, and Sri T M K either can't understand this, or intentionally wants to twist some information to suit some petty political needs. Bravo and kudos to you for making the point.
Correct!
Enriching Exchanges I came with similar example citing MS Subbulakshmi as she wasn't a Brahmin either. their counter argument is its because of her Brahmin husband Sadasivam she became popular. These are bloody communist hypocrites. unfortunately good musicians like TMK trying this tactics to appease the masses. their point is to take away the credit from Brahmins and put down their contributions to the world of Carnatic music. this TMK guy even went to the extent of morphing the picture with faces of Trinity of Carnatic music with some random African American faces in one of his blogs.
ashwynindra
complete nonsense.. TMK indirectly wants reservation in Carnatic music too. Only talent wins. Has anyone complained why kollywood is non Brahmin dominated or Bollywood is Muslim dominated. stop giving this lame excuses and make a genuine attempt to find the reasons.
He looks just like Mr.Bean : )
Till Periyar Dr.Muthulaxmi dance, music all were in hands of non bhramin communities especially with DEVADASIS, at that time bhramins abused that. But now same bhramins have taken those arts and made it for them...esply CHENNAI COMMERICAL ART WORLD.
Probably Fast food popularity makes him feel that he is a reformist!
This fellow wants popularity
The only filth afflicting carnatic music is TMK
Carnatic music evolved from the great saint and composer. Sri Thyagaraju. The saint did not presented the music and his compositions. with any dirt. As a devotee of Sri Ram. he. brought out the lord's glory and wanted every one to listen, sing his compositions to attain. moksham.. There is not a single particle of dust in his composition and lyrics. It is only mean people who do not understand the concept of the saint lyrics, composition and more particulary about the style of carnatic music speak about all rubbish, make distinction and all about that. The dirt is with the persons who knows much about the dirt which is with them.
Bramhamokkate Para bramhamokkate...:-)
Darpana in Ahmedabad will NOT have you if you say you won't play for a woman. Perhaps the ONLY art organisation in India, sadly....
He simply doesn't know what he is ranting . He appears to be totally confused. SUCH A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT NO WONDER MEDIA COVERING IT WITH SUCH IMPORTANCE.
This fellow belongs to which caste.what is his problem
T.M.K.his curect hollever professiaonal and culturral econamical . discrimination and invesabul damination
I have gone thro his IN TOI dated 14/8 It's unfortunate that he has not understood the real issue and he thinks he is a reformist.He should see how Sheik chinnamoulana, Jesudass, John Higgins are respected as they treated music with reverence .The missionary can use western/fusion/sufi (for Islamic ).Why our great vakyeyakaras kritis to be copied.If it's for good, OK.But the hidden agenda of attracting majority for conversion is to be understood! !.Let better councel prevail. Probably TMK Wants to revolutionise like kamal.
hard enough to get brahmin youth interested in serious music let alone othere castes. i meet tamil brahmin kids in usa who eat mcDo and cant even count to 10 in tamil . same thing, in the west, why is it mostly chinese are interested in western classical now? and no one excludes them though its not their tradition. . my girlfriend is a classical piano professor. in usa, most of her students are european descended jews and now chinese. it is what it is. classical music appeals to people with traditions of culture and literacy. in india that's brahmins. in europe Brits, Germans, Russians excell though not exclusively.....For sure as a westerner following Carnatic i have most def felt treated as an outsider by some of the haughtier Brahmins, but it does not stop me, and i see it as the stick up their assess; not my problem. Somu, Brinda, Veena Dhammal family, all non Brahmins. When DMK bars Sanskrit from Tamil Kovils not sure if this is a problem of haughty Brahmins excluding lower castes or lower castes lacking interest. Same in USA with western classical.
are you proposing reservation to practice Carnatic music too? if you are talented you can pull crowds.. if you are that much concerned about Dalits fist research on all great performers from that background write a book on them and set up a scholarship fund for socially or economically backward kids trying to learn or at least teach few kids yourself and don't make politics to gain media attention that you can get with our focusing on ur dressing instead if you focus on your pronunciation and increase your practice you can get genuine attention don't waste ur time on dressing and Dalit politics #DontKillCarnatic
I can easily call him fool...
He may talk about equality but when among other namakkarans the hate and arrogance would flow freely.
Now that is broadminded. Thee are very many vadamas who wear namam too!
Confused Dude!
Rama Bommaraju exactly! nut kazhandu pochu..
He is not confused ..his point is music doesn't bounded by cast gender religion and anything ..its free for all
It is because the bramin community preserves their traditional by making it a part of their lives
A part from few miscreants who exist in every community, no one have have stopped anyone from learning anything, this freedom is fundamental of our sanatana dharma.
It's just that people are not intrested in adyatma,
Traditional values, carnatic music...
So tm krishan please limit urself to music only ur sociopolitical views are not needed
Carnatic music and dance were not respectable until taken up by Brahmins. Their hegemony based on centuries of monopolising learning, is what is behind the privilege, not any one person.
Polluted mind and it's as good as tarnishing image of his family.He lacks maturity and should learn from Jesudass who is an elated soul.Disgrace to his family as he had the audacity to blame the property of vakyeyakaras who belong to different community
I don't agree with Brahmins keeping carnatic music away from other communities. Infact they show keen interest in teaching carnatic music without any discrimination.
Great singer great socialist
This is Bull shit not that Musicians dont teach non Brahmins with Carnatic music, the immediate reaction of any Non -brahmin person on any Alap will be they are not that appreciative on that music. Its like saying no fun of blowing horns in deaf person. The main reason why Brahmins are in the field becasue those who enjoy these alaps and Sargams are survivors. For instance how many Non brahmins will be part of Krishna's Concert. Dass anna has he not sung in Film music he would not have been popular. Days are here only for Cinema people and lousy songs , like Ghana Songs. Krishna again I repeat your voice or music will be enjoyed only by very few people who understand the language called Carnatic Music. But one man who made it possible to reach all was Raja Sir the legend blending Carnatic music in folk , for them to enjoy the Carnatic music taste. Anything raw in nature will be appreciated only by few not by all. For Instance very few like Raag Mohanam when its sung in plain manner as it used to be , it was made popular by song calle"Ninnukori Varnam" by Raja Sir. Now the common man cannot understand the Raag behind it yet he enjoys it. It will be a very strong one I am sorry to use this Carnatic music will be ENJOYED only by Brahmin Community may be a group may enjoy it because its popularised by persons who had shown their head in Cinemas.
As always if Carnatic music can be made available for everyone only if the presentor enjoys it.. If the interest is not there nobody can reach there.
Vinayak mahadev Can you be any more ignorant?
ashwynindra difficult, as u have demonstrated the height of ignorance
Yesudas will be popular even if he is not a film singer
no learned musician respects him as musician this is all publicity