A Pillar of Tamil Music and Culture

Ahead of this year's Margazhi music season, let's take a look at the legacy of Tamil Isai Sangam

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FOUNDED in 1943 by Raja Annamalai Chettiar, the Tamil Isai Sangam has been a cornerstone of Tamil music, dedicated to the promotion, education, and preservation of Tamil Isai (Tamil music). Over the decades, it has played a pivotal role in advancing the understanding and appreciation of Tamil classical music, while also fostering the development of scholars, musicians, and musicologists in the field.

A Vision for Tamil Isai The Tamil Isai Sangam was established with the vision of giving Tamil music a prominent place in the world of classical music. At a time when Tamil songs were often relegated to the end of music concerts, the Sangam sought to elevate their status, ensuring that they were given due importance in performances. This mission was supported by influential figures such as Dr R K Shanmugam Chettiar, India's first Finance Minister, C Rajagopalachari, the first Indian Governor-General, and other notable patrons, including Kalki Krishnamoorthy, T K Chidambaranathan Mudaliyar, and C N Annadurai.

Tamil Isai Kalloori: Educating the Next Generation One of the aims of the Tamil Isai Sangam is to spread Tamil Isai. An evening music college was started in 1944 with the support of the Sangam with the intention of imparting training to newcomers and those interested in Tamil Isai. They were trained in vocals, veena, violin, and mridangam. A (full-time) day music college was also started in 1995 under the patronage of A C Muthiah, honorary secretary of the Sangam. Nagaswaram, thavil, vaipattu, Devaram, Divyaprabandam, veena, violin, mridangam, Bharatanatyam, nattuvangam and music teacher training is being imparted.