Introduction

The Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu, India is not only rich and fertile in its soil but also in arts & culture. It has produced a number of poets, artistes, musicians and exponents in other fine arts. Certain pockets have the unique feature of presenting artistes of class and renown in clusters. The Cauvery main basin is the chosen ground of Nature for its benediction and benefaction. The tiny village of Maharajapuram on the banks of the river Cauvery is its mini version.

Sri. Maharajapuram Santhanam, who hails from this Garden of Melody, is one of the Carnatic Vocal virtuosos who drew the largest of appreciative audiences. Of course, he carried with him the halo of his illustrious father Shri. Maharajapuram Viswanath Iyer. The Maharajapuram School has completed 88 years of classic concerts as it has been presenting rich musical meals through sabhas, aradhanas, festivals, etc., consistently since 1911, when 'Sangita Bhupathi' Sri Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer started giving concerts. His inspired music, his fertile manodharma and the grandeur of presentation immortalized him. This great legacy has been faithfully inherited by his talented son and disciple Shri. Maharajapuram Santhanam.

Date & Place of Birth

Sri. Maharajapuram Santhanam was born in Sirunangur, a small village in Tamil Nadu, India, on 20th May 1928 to Sri. Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer and Smt. Visalakshi.

Training in Music

He had his initial training in music under Melattur Sama Dikshitar and then naturally under his illustrious father. He followed him in his concerts. Simultaneously, Santhanam completed his academic studies in the Town High School, Kumbakkonam in 1945.

As a Concert Performer

His music had a unique pattern and an unparalleled mix of Lakshana and Lakshyagnana. His voice had a fine timber with an excellent sheen. His method of rendering enthralled the rasikas throughout the world. It is no exaggeration that thousands of listeners were drawn to the classical music sabhas after listening to his concerts. Santhanam always felt the pulse of the audience and catered to their taste. It was very easy for every rasika to understand and enjoy his music.

Positions Held

During 1960-65, he was the Head of the Department of Music at Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan College of Music, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. He held many important portfolios in important organisations. He was the founder Secretary of Sri. Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai. He was in the Experts Committee of The Music Academy, Chennai, for a long time. He was the Asthana Vidwan of the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam, Sri Kamakoti Peetam, Kanchipuram, Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Ashram, Mysore, Sri Venkateswara Temple, Pittsburgh, USA, and Government of Tamil Nadu.

Cassettes & Records

Nearly 75 audio albums and Compact Discs of Sri. Santhanam's music was released by leading Recording Companies and, no doubt, they are the best sellers in the market still.

As a Composer

Sri. Santhanam contributed a lot to the music world by composing many songs and thillanas in different ragas like Charukesi, Sivaranjani, Basant Bahar, Revathi, Hindolam, Hamsanandhi, Kanada, etc.