Pomp and Circumstance

Pomp and Circumstance: The Life of Harikeshanallur Dr. L. Muthiah Bhagavatar is a talk exploring the life, achievements and artistic legacy of L. Muthiah Bhagavatar (1877–1945), a celebrated figure in Carnatic music and Harikatha storytelling.

Known for his expressive performances and versatility, Bhagavatar was a musician, prolific composer, teacher and scholar of Carnatic music theory. He served at the Mysore court under King Krishnaraja Wodeyar, composing 108 songs in praise of Goddess Chamundi. He later became the first principal of the Trivandrum Music College at the invitation of Maharani Sethu Parvathy Bai.

Bhagavatar composed more than 400 songs in multiple languages and introduced approximately 20 new ragas into the Carnatic tradition. He also authored Sangita Kalpadrumam, a treatise on music theory for which he received a doctorate, and founded the Tyagaraja Sangita Vidyalaya in Madurai in 1920 to nurture future generations of musicians.

Speaker: V. Sriram is a historian, columnist and author known for documenting Carnatic music and its heritage. He has written books and articles on prominent musicians, conducts heritage walks in Chennai, serves as Secretary of the Music Academy and edits Madras Musings.

The session offers audiences an opportunity to discover the many dimensions of Bhagavatar's legacy and understand his lasting contribution to Indian classical music, performance and music education.