50 Rare Ragas of Carnatic Music (Ragas, Down the Memory Lane)

A happy and radiant New Year to all of you!

The last 3-4 year period had been, from a personal angle, a very difficult and mentally taxing phase for us, as we lost two very important people in our lives: my father, Shri E. Anantha Narayanan, Advocate, and my mother-in-law, Smt. Vijayalakshmi Murthy, Director (Retd.), All India Radio. I dedicate this book to both of them.

This time, we are bringing out a book on possibly the most abstract aspect of an already tough subject, Carnatic Music, namely, rare ragas, unheard of by many hitherto. This book is, as usual, written in an easy style. Yet, with regard to the content, while one of our previous works, 50 Evergreen Ragas of Carnatic Music, can be compared to commercial cinema, this book can be equated to an art film. The subject itself is indeterminate and ambiguous at places, though Vidya has really demystified it to the best level possible. Don't miss the Melakarta story. the mnemonics humour and many other such interesting anecdotes with which the book is peppered.

While we have taken our best efforts to maintain accuracy as regards the names of the composers of the various compositions referred to in this book, owing to the rare nature of some of the pieces, there could be some instances of error or omission. Skanda aims to impart awareness and knowledge about the ragas covered in this volume, and the rarest event of any such lapse is unintentional.

As usual, Mahitha, Harshitha, and Nipun have contributed significantly in bringing this book to its present form with their invaluable inputs, suggestions, and feedback.

I thank our advertisers who have been with us over the years. My thanks are due to our bulk buyers who have supported our venture, A Book instead of a Bouquet', and considered our books for their gifting requirements. I am equally thankful to our regular readers. They always inspire us to create content of the highest order.

Bharatanatyam Exponent, musicologist, researcher, choreographer, orator, author- these are but a few attributes of the multi-faceted personality Vidya Bhavani Suresh. Vidya began her formal training in Bharatanatyam under the eminent guru, V.P. Dhananjayan. She continued and completed her tutelage under the renowned guru K.J. Sarasa. After a continuous and strenuous learning experience of 12 years, Vidya had her Arangetram (first formal performance), at the age of 16 years. From then on, Vidya has been an active and innovative performer and researcher. Her performances have always stood apart for their profound research-based content and uniqueness. It has always been Vidya's attempt to take Bharatanatyam very close to the common viewer. Being equally alert to social problems, Vidya has also presented full-length thought-provoking programmes highlighting child labour, unemployment. women's problems, etc.

Vidya is also an accomplished Carnatic music singer, having undergone systematic training in the form. She continues to enrich her repertoire by continuing her association and training with her guru, the reputed Vidushi, A.P. Komala. Vidya's deep knowledge of Carnatic music has enabled her to specialise as a musicologist. Vidya has written more than 14 small books and 3 large and detailed tomes on Carnatic music, which are widely respected as authentic and authoritative books on the subject.

Vidya also sets the musical score for all her dance productions. She has conceptualised, set to tune and choreographed a collection of 50 items for Bharatanatyam from ancient Tamizh literature titled, Tamizh Illakiyamum Bharatamum. This collection includes respected Tamizh works like. Tirukkural. Paripaadal. Tirumurugatrupadai. Tiruppugazh, Meenakshiammai Pillai Tamizh, Nalavenba etc. This, she considers one of her most important contributions to Bharatanatyam since it brings out the best thoughts of our poets of yore, through one of the most powerful media of visual presentation, namely, Bharatanatyam.

Being an excellent public speaker as well, Vidya comperes her programmes very effectively making the audience understand and appreciate every aspect of the performance. Vidya also conducts lecture demonstrations and workshops on Indian Dance and Music for schools, colleges and corporates.

Vidya holds an M.A. in Folklore, from St.Xavier's College, Palayamkottai (Tirunelveli), the only college in the country offering this rare course then. She is also the recipient of the Research Fellowship in this discipline from the Department of Culture, Government of India. Vidya is a Fellow of The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (F.C.S.). Vidya also holds a Degree in General Law.

**Contents and Sample Pages**