Tradition, Aesthetics and Heritage

"Tradition, Aesthetics and Heritage" is a compilation of my writings that appeared in cultural columns of The Hindu, and other magazines, as well as my talks in the All India Radio and Lecture - demonstrations at well known cultural venues. These cover a variety of aspects in the field of performing arts catering to the interest of readers, and students of research and practice in dance, music, Sanskrit and allied topics. This book has two parts, the first section containing articles in English and the second section having articles in Tamizh covering different areas of art forms.

This and many other publications as well as most activities of Dr. V. Raghavan Centre and our co-organisation The Samskrita Ranga have been receiving unfailing support from Sri. G. Rajendran, Chairman Emeritus, GRT group of companies in the past four decades. He has been a great source of strength, as a friend, mentor, and guide. His invaluable support has ensured the sustenance of the multi - faceted ventures at my Centre. This publication happily coincides with the beginning of the 80th birth year of Sri. G. Rajendran and it is my humble tribute to him on this occasion.

I am happy to bring this publication on the occasion of the 75th birthday of my beloved sister Smt. Priyamvada, who has been the backbone of all my activities, encouraging me, and extending firm support to my ideas and their execution, both at my Centre and my personal endeavours. She has been my role model in the field of Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and Sanskrit theatre.

I acknowledge the assistance by Smt. Lavanya Ananth, senior Bharatanatyam artist in the initial stages of assembling this work. Smt. Kamalanayaki and Sri K. Venkatesh of Kayveekay Letter Prints have taken meticulous care in doing the DTP. Sri Diwakar and his team of Compuprint have printed the publication in a befitting manner. My thanks are due to all of them.

I submit every work of mine at the feet of Sri Tyagesamurti of Tiruvarur and seek His bountiful blessings to continue my activities successfully in the coming years. Hope this collection will be of interest to all those who enjoy Muttamizh-Sangita, Natya and Nataka.

**Contents and Sample Pages**