Manickka Nattuvanar's sons

🪔 About

K.P. Kittappa Pillai (1913–1999) and K.P. Sivanandam (born 1917) were highly influential figures in Indian classical dance, particularly Bharatanatyam, and belonged to the esteemed Thanjavur Quartet lineage. They were the sons of Sangita Kalanidhi K. Ponniah Pillai, a distinguished scholar, musician, and composer, who was a descendant of the Thanjavur Quartet, the brothers who codified the Bharatanatyam format in the 19th century. Born in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, both brothers received extensive training in Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam, upholding the traditional Tanjore sampradaya. Kittappa Pillai, also known as Sabhapati, was a seventh-generation descendant of the Thanjavur Quartet. He received rigorous training in Carnatic vocal music under Natesa Sastry and in mridangam and nattuvangam from his maternal grandfather, Pandanallur Meenakshisundaram Pillai, a prominent nattuvanar. Initially a vocalist, Kittappa Pillai transitioned to Bharatanatyam, becoming a pivotal figure in its revival. He served as principal at Tamil Isai Sangam in Chennai, Head of Music and Dance and Professor of Dance at Annamalai University, and taught at Tamil University in Thanjavur. His contributions included emphasizing musical depth, dignified abhinaya, and intricate jatis, and he revived and choreographed rare ancestral items such as Navasandhi Nritya and Sarabhendra Bhoopala Kuravanji. He also published works like "Navasandhi" (with Vyjayantimala Bali) and "Ponniah Mani Malai" (1961, with Mrinalini Sarabhai). K.P. Sivanandam, the second son, also trained in vocal music and Bharatanatyam under his grandfather Pandanallur Meenakshisundaram Pillai and father Ponniah Pillai. He further specialized in Veena, learning from Vidwans Desamangalam Subrahmanya Iyer and Gomatisankara Iyer, and was awarded the Sangita Bhushanam from Annamalai University. Sivanandam was a renowned composer, veena player, and dance teacher, known for his adherence to tradition and chaste style. He co-authored "Gana Kala Swarabhushani" with his brother Kittappa Pillai. Both brothers were instrumental in preserving and propagating the rich heritage of Bharatanatyam through their extensive teaching and performances, ensuring the continuity of their ancestral legacy. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1974), Sangita Kala Acharya (1981), Isai Perarignar (1985), Kala Tilakam (1986), Kalidas Samman (1999), Fellowship of the Central Sangeetha Nataka Academy (1999), E. Krishna Iyer Medal, Sangita Kalanidhi (1992).