T. Muktha

Thanjavur Muktha, also spelt Mukta and often referred as Mukthamma, (1914–2007) was one of the foremost representatives of the Veena Dhanammal school of Carnatic Music. She, along with her elder sister T. Brinda, formed one of the first women duo singers in Carnatic Music. [1][2]

T. Muktha
Birth nameThanjavur Muktha
Born1914
OriginMadras Presidency, British India
Died2007 (aged 92–93)
GenresCarnatic, Indian classical
Occupation(s)Vocalist
Instrument(s)vocals, saraswati veena

Early life

Mukta's grandmother, the legendary Veenai Dhanammal, and mother Kamakshi were from Devadasi tradition. Kamakshi's companion Soundararaja Iyengar was Mukta's father. [3] Mukta grew up in Dhanammal's extended family.

Musical Influences

Muktha had much of her initial training from her mother Kamakshi. This training was in the Veena Dhanammal style, a style of Carnatic Music known for its unhurried, alluring movements, as also for its use of intricate gamakas (graces) in the handling of ragas (modes). Additionally, Muktha (along with Brinda) trained for a substantial length of time under Kanchipuram Naina Pillai and his aunt Kanchipuram Dhanakoti Ammal, [4] whose style of music was marked by agility and robustness in laya (rhythm).[5] After her training under Naina Pillai, Muktha learnt from her aunt Lakshmiratnam. The legendary Veena Dhanammal, who was Muktha's grandmother, herself taught her some compositions.

Mukta gave her first performance at the age of eight. She used to perform mostly with her elder sister T Brinda in the first half of her long career. After the duo parted, she performed in concerts alone for 34 years. [6] She was the last disciple of Veena Dhanammal and her last concert was in Cleveland in 2003.[7][8]

Legacy

Mukta was a very generous teacher to several musicians, the most prominent among them being Vedavalli, Dr Ritha Rajan, Smt Rama Ravi (Ramaa Ravi), and S. Sowmya. [9]

Muktha was a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award awarded in 1972.[10][11]

Mukta died in Chennai on 11 March 2007 at the age of 92, leaving behind a daughter. [12]

References
  1. "Mukta and her Music". The Hindu. 11 September 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  2. "Uncompromising standard". The Hindu. 1 December 2002. Archived from the original on 25 February 2003. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  3. "K V Ramachandran : The Man who discovered Sangraha Cudamani – Guruguhaorg".
  4. "Carnatic vocalist T Muktha dead Carnatic vocalist T Muktha dead". Rediff. 12 March 2007. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  5. "Inclusive Carnatic Music". Chitravina Ravikiran. Outlook. 30 June 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  6. "The last bastion of an inimitable tradition".
  7. "Musician T. Muktha passes away". The Hindu. 12 March 2007. Archived from the original on 14 March 2007. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  8. "Remembering T Mukta in Her Centenary Year". New Indian Express. 9 September 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  9. "Sruti Magazine: Generation Next". 26 September 2012.
  10. "Brinda-Muktha: Bastions of a Glorious Tradition" (PDF). www.sruti.com. p. 31. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
  11. "Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar (Akademi Awards)". Sangeet Natak Akademi. Archived from the original on 30 May 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  12. "Carnatic vocalist T Muktha dead".


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