One of the oldest and richest musical traditions of India, Carnatic music owes popularisation and evolution to pioneer Purandara Dasa who was born in 1484 CE in present-day Karnataka. His immense musical contributions have earned him the esteemed “Father of Carnatic Music.” Let us delve into the life, legacy, and musical prowess of this revered saint and composer.
Srinivasa Nayaka (Purandara Dasa) was born in a Hindu Brahmin Family. From an early age, he was well-versed in various musical instruments and showed his interest in music. However, later he experienced a profound transformation, leading him to embrace the path of devotion. Renouncing his material pursuits, he dedicated his life to the service of Lord Vishnu.
Source: CivilsDaily
Purandara Dasa recognized music as a powerful medium for spiritual communication and social transformation. During his time, the common masses were excluded from its enchanting beauty, and music was confined to the elite. Hence, with a mission to democratize music, he revolutionized the existing musical structure.
Also Read: Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer : Early Life, Musical Journey and More
The structured music pedagogy system was introduced first by pandora dasa in which he created a series of graded lessons known as “Svaravalis” and “Alankaras,” which were foundational exercises for beginners to start with. Through this Carnatic music was accessible to everyone regardless of their social background and easily learnable in a step-by-step manner.
A prolific composer, Purandara Dasa composed devotional songs like “Devaranamas” and “Kirtanas,” characterized by their lyrical depth, musical elegance, and spiritual essence. Through these songs, he explored a wide range of topics, including devotion, morality, and the path to self-realization.
Even centuries after his passing, Purandara Dasa’s legacy continues to shape the foundation of Carnatic music. He systematised the method of teaching Carnatic music which is followed to the present day. He introduced the raga Mayamalavagowla as the basic scale for music instruction and fashioned a series of graded lessons.
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