| Dance musicians of 19th and 20th century - Analyzing the Works of Composers during Mysore Wodeyar and Tanjore Maratha Period |
| Title
Dance Musicians of the 19th and 20th Century: Analyzing the Works of Composers during Mysuru Wodeyar and Tanjore Maratha period who Contributed to Dance Music
Introduction
As quoted in many treatises, SangÄ«ta is the combination of Geetha, Vadya, and Nritya. As an art, it is the wholesome knowledge of literature, dance, and music for that. No vÄggeyakara will compose for a purpose. It is his fulfilled thoughts towards art that made him compose. As such, Dance music is also an offering to God. The contributions of Karnataka and Maratha composers in the 19th and 20th centuries were instrumental in shaping the dance repertoire. This study aims to document their contributions and analyze their compositions.
Research Objective
The primary objectives of this research are:
â— To identify composers from Mysuru Wodeyar period and the Tanjore Maratha regions who contributed to dance music in the 19th and 20th centuries.
â— To analyze their compositions, focusing on musical structure, lyrical content, and rhythmic patterns.
â— To explore the impact of these compositions on Bharatanatya.
â— To understand the elements of dance music under the patronage by Mysuru Wodeyars and Tanjore Maratha rulers.
Research Scope
This study focuses on composers from Mysuru Wodeyar period such as Mysore Vasudevacharya, Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavatar, Aliya Lingaraja Urs and composers from the Tanjore Quartet lineage who had Tanjore Maratha patronage will be studied. The research will analyze their compositions in terms of musicality, rhythm (tala), lyrical content, and their adaptation for dance. Additionally, it will examine how these compositions bridged the traditions of Karnataka Sangita and Bharatanatya. The study includes compositions used in Bharatanatya. (composed for dance and music composition adapted exclusively for dance)
Limitation
As many composers have contributed to the field of Dance Music this paper is limited to focus only on two composers from each Patronage.
Methodology
A qualitative research approach will be used. The methodology includes:
Musicological Analysis: Examining compositions, ragas, and talas to understand their structure and influence on dance.
Comparative Study: Analyzing Mysuru and Maratha composers' styles to understand their unique contributions to dance music.
Literature Review – Studying archival records, books, and published papers on Bharatanatyam and music composers.
Findings
This is the time where the Nirūpanas in the time of Serfoji took a different dimension.
The influence of Western Music can be seen in Tanjore Band. This influence can also be seen in Muttuswamy Dikshitar’s composition of Nottu Swaras.
The famous Tanjore Quartette formed a new repertoire from Alaripu to Tillana
Rulers of Mysore even encouraged the Hindustani music artistes.
References
Deepti Omchery Bhalla, Studies in Indian Music and Allied Arts, SundeepPrakashan, 1990
Bhagyalekshmy.S, Music and Bharatanatyam, Sundeep Prakashan, Delhi, 1991
Meera Rajaram Pranesh, Musical Composers during Wodeyar Dynasty, Vee Emm Publications, Bangalore, 2003
Manorama B.N, Nrutya Marga Mukura, Sanidhya Prakashana, Madikeri, 2011
Mala Shaaashikanth, Paramparadhara Kaishiki Natyavahini, Bangalore, 2013
Prince Pratap Sinha Serfoji Raje Bhosle, Contributions of Thanjavur Maratha
Kings, Sadar Mahal Palace, Thanjavur,2017 |
| Author: Dr Ramya C R
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Submitted on : 16-Sep-2025
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Arts : India/Classical Dance/Dance music for Bharatanatya |
| Journal ID : 6703-190-2995
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| Views: 65/ Downloads :0 |
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