| Ambi Dikshitar - A composer and Teacher of Karnataka music in the 19th Century |
| Ambi Dikshitar(1863-1936) a great musician, vainika and a composer, belonged to the lineage of Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitar,one of the trinities of Karnataka music,the others being Thyagaraja and Shyama sastry. He was the son of Subbarama Dikshitar, the grandnephew of Muthuswamy Dikshitar.
The objectives of the research are (1) To bring out the compositions of Ambi Dikshitar and study the ragas, raga sanchāris, and structural aspects of compositions vis-à -vis his predecessors. (2) To examine Ambi Dikshitar’s contribution in propagating the compositions of his Guru-Parampara. The study explores his teaching methods, based on Pratama Abhyāsa Pustakamu and also his role in bringing out more kritis of Muthuswamy Dikshitar in addition to those found in Sangeetha Sampradāya Pradarshini. (both books written by Subbarama Dikshitar).
The research is based on the qualitative approaches to analyze data from secondary sources. The study involves examining audio, video, textual materials, and oral traditions. The study highlights the deep influence of Ambi Dikshitar’s musical lineage in his compositions and showcases his contributions in bringing to light the innumerable kritis of Muthuswamy Dikshitar through his Sishyās who were instrumental in relocating their Guru from Ettayapuram to Madras which was the main centre of Karnataka music. The two books mentioned earlier were propagated due to the efforts of Ambi Dikshitar with the help of his disciples. His pedagogical approach is reflected in some of the publications of his chief sishyas like A. Ananthakrishna Iyer, A. Sundaram Iyer and Vedānta Bhagavatar. These methods facilitated a clear understanding of kriti rendition techniques, the defining characteristics (lakshanās) of ragas, and the nuances of musical interpretation. The study demonstrates how Ambi Dikshitar ensured the seamless preservation and propagation of his parampara’s musical heritage. |
| Author: Mrs. Revathi Sadasivam
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Submitted on : 16-Sep-2025
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Arts : India/Music/Karnataka classical music |
| Journal ID : 5087-219-9373
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| Views: 56/ Downloads :0 |
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