T. Muktha Explained

T. Muktha
Background:	solo_singer
Birth Name:	Thanjavur Muktha
Birth Date:	1914
Origin:	Madras Presidency, British India
Genre:	Carnatic, Indian classical
Occupation:	Vocalist
Instrument:	vocals, saraswati veena

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]}

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]

External links

• Columbus Carnatic
• T.Muktha

Notes and References

1. News: Mukta and her Music . The Hindu . 11 September 2014 . 25 August 2015.
2. Web site: Uncompromising standard . https://web.archive.org/web/20030225073642/http://www.thehindu.com/ms/2002/12/01/stories/2002120100070300.htm . dead . 25 February 2003 . 1 December 2002 . . 25 August 2015.
3. Web site: K V Ramachandran : The Man who discovered Sangraha Cudamani – Guruguhaorg. 3 April 2009 .
4. Web site: Carnatic vocalist T Muktha dead Carnatic vocalist T Muktha dead . Rediff . 12 March 2007 . 25 August 2015.
5. Web site: Inclusive Carnatic Music . Outlook . Chitravina Ravikiran . 30 June 2015 . 25 August 2015.
6. Web site: The last bastion of an inimitable tradition.
7. Web site: Musician T. Muktha passes away . https://web.archive.org/web/20070314215035/http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/12/stories/2007031205771200.htm . dead . 14 March 2007 . 12 March 2007 . . 25 August 2015.
8. Web site: Remembering T Mukta in Her Centenary Year . https://web.archive.org/web/20141013220959/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Remembering-T-Mukta-in-Her-Centenary-Year/2014/09/09/article2421096.ece . dead . 13 October 2014 . . 9 September 2014 . 25 August 2015.
9. Web site: Sruti Magazine: Generation Next. 26 September 2012.
10. Web site: Brinda-Muktha: Bastions of a Glorious Tradition . www.sruti.com . 26 August 2015 . 31.
11. Web site: Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar (Akademi Awards) . Sangeet Natak Akademi . 25 August 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150530204253/http://sangeetnatak.gov.in/sna/awardeeslist.htm . 30 May 2015 .
12. Web site: Carnatic vocalist T Muktha dead.