Rajeswari Padmanabhan

🪔 About

Rajeswari Padmanabhan (1939-2008) was a highly esteemed Veena artist from Tamil Nadu, India, and a significant figure in Carnatic music. Born in 1939 in Devakottai, Sivaganga district (also cited as Koilur), she was the ninth-generation descendant of the illustrious Karaikudi Veena tradition. Her mother, Lakshmi Ammal, was also a Veena Vidushi and the third daughter of Karaikudi Subbarama Iyer, one of the renowned Karaikudi Veena Brothers. Rajeswari began her rigorous training in the gurukula system at the tender age of five under her grandfather, Karaikudi Sambasiva Iyer, the younger of the Karaikudi Brothers. She continued her studies with him until his passing in 1958. Furthering her musical education, she also learned Carnatic vocal music from the esteemed Mysore Vasudevachar, supported by a Government of India scholarship. Throughout her distinguished career, Rajeswari Padmanabhan was known for her profound musical integrity and virtuosity. She dedicated many years to teaching and served as the Principal of Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts (Kalakshetra) in Chennai. Beyond her performances, she was also a composer, creating several varnams and tillanas. Notably, she composed music for the dance drama "Kumbheshwar Kuravanji," demonstrating her connection to the broader performing arts. She was also credited with innovative contributions, such as developing a portable Veena and designing a new acrylic 'melam' for the instrument, which offered durability without compromising tonal quality. Rajeswari Padmanabhan passed away on August 15, 2008. Her legacy is continued by her daughter, Sreevidhya Chandramouli, a tenth-generation descendant of the Karaikudi Veena tradition, and her grandsons Kapila, Sushruta Chandramouli, and Chandrasekhar Sundarrajan. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1986), Kalaimamani Award.