Pre-Trinity Composers

Composer Composer A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...	Years	Languages	Approx. Number of Compositions	Other Info
Akka Mahadevi Akka Mahadevi Akka Mahadevi was a prominent figure of the Veerashaiva Bhakti movement of the 12th century Karnataka. Her Vachanas in Kannada, a form of didactic poetry are considered her greatest contribution to Kannada Bhakti literature. In all she wrote about 430 Vachanas which is relatively fewer than that...	12th century	Kannada
Annamacharya Annamacharya Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya was the official songmaster of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, and a Telugu composer who composed around 36000 keertana songs, many of which were in praise of Venkateswara, the presiding deity of the temple...	1408 - 1503	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu... , Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...	50,000
Arunachala Kavi Arunachala Kavi Arunachala Kavi was a Tamil poet and a composer of Carnatic music. He was born in Tillaiyadi in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. The three Tamil composers Arunachala Kavi, Muthu Thandavar and Marimutthu Pillai are considered the Tamil Trinity, who contributed to the evolution of Carnatic...	1711 - 1788	Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
Arunagirinathar Arunagirinathar Arunagirinathar was Tamil poet who lived during the 15th century in Tamil Nadu, India. He was the creator of Tiruppugazh, a book of poems in Tamil in praise of the Hindu God Murugan. He was a member of the Isai Vellalar community....	15th century	Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...		Composed Tiruppugazh
Basavanna	12th century	Kannada		Composed Vachanagalu
Jayadeva Jayadeva Jayadeva was a Sanskrit poet circa 1200 AD. He is most known for his composition, the epic poem Gita Govinda, which depicts the divine love of Krishna-an avatar of Vishnu and his consort, Radha, and it is mentioned that Radha is greater than Hari, and is considered an important text in the...	12th century	Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...	50	Composed Geetha Govindam
Bhadraachala Raama daasu Kancherla Gopanna Kancherla Gopanna , popularly known as Bhadradri Ramadasu or Bhadrachala Ramadasu, was a 17th century Indian devotee of Rama and a composer of Carnatic music. He is one among the famous vaggeyakaras in the Telugu language, the others being Tyagaraja, Annamayya, Kshetryya...	1620 - 1688	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...	500
Kshetragna	1600 - 1680	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...	100
Marimutthu Pillai Marimutthu Pillai Marimutthu Pillai was a composer of Carnatic music and along with Arunachala Kavi and Muthu Thandavar was one of the pioneering Tamil Trinity of Carnatic music. He was a contemporary of Arunachala Kavi....	1717 - 1787	Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
Muthu Thandavar Muthu Thandavar Muthu Thandavar was composer of Carnatic music. He was an early architect of the present day Carnatic kriti format, which consists of the pallavi , anupallavi and charanam. He lived in the town of Sirkazhi in Tamil Nadu. His contributions to Carnatic music have been largely forgotten and not many...	1525 - 1625	Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
Narayana Teertha Narayana Teertha Sri Narayana Teertha was a composer of Carnatic music.-Brief lifesketch:Narayana was born in South India in the region covered by the present-day Andhra Pradesh. He lived in Kaja near Mangalagiri in Guntur district. They belonged to Tallavajhula family. His birth name was Govinda Sastrulu...	1650 - 1745	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu... , Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...	200	Composed Krishna leelaa Tarangini
Paidala Gurumurti Sastri Paidala Gurumurti Sastri Gurumurti Sastri was a composer of Carnatic music who lived during the 17th century in the village of Kayatar in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. His family name was Paidala. He was a Telugu speaking Brahmin...	17th century	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
Papanasa Mudaliar Papanasa Mudaliar Papanasa Mudaliyar was an early Carnatic music composer who lived in Tamil Nadu, India. Among his compositions mukattai kAttiya in Bhairavi ragam and nadamAdittirintha in Kambhoji ragam are well known. The latter composition is an example of the Nindastuti style in musical compositions wherein the...	1650 - 1725	Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
Purandara Daasaru	1484 - 1625	Kannada, Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...	50,000
Sarangapani Sarangapani Sarangapani was a composer of Carnatic music who lived during the 17th century in the village of Karvetinagaram in Andhra Pradesh. He is famous for his composition of Padams, a type of Carnatic song sung during Bharatanatyam performances. Sarangapani was the Minister of Education in the court of...	17th century	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
Sripadaraya Sripadaraya Sripadaraya, a haridasa, is also known as Sripadaraja or Lakshminarayana Tirtha .Sripadaraya was born in Abburu in Chennapattana taluk of Karnataka state. It is believed that he was the incarnation of dhruva...	1404 - 1502	Kannada

Trinity-Age Composers (18th Century)

These composers lived during the time of the Trinity and there are recorded instances of their interaction with the Trinity.

Composer Composer A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...	Years	Languages	Approx. Number of Compositions	Other Info
Ghanam Krishna Iyer Ghanam Krishna Iyer Ghanam Krishna Iyar was a composer of Carnatic music and was famous for his padams. Padams are expressive songs of three of more stanzas, used generally as an accompaniment to classical dance. Krishna Iyar was a student of the famous composer, Pacchimiriam Adiyappa. He was also influenced by...	1790 - 1854	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
Iraiyamman Tampi	1782 - 1856	Malayalam, Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
Kavi Kunjara Bharati Kavi Kunjara Bharati Kavi Kunjara Bharati was a Tamil poet and a composer of Carnatic music. He was born in a family with long involvement in music and scholarship.- Ancestry :...	1810 - 1896	Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
Muthuswami Dikshitar Muthuswami Dikshitar Muthuswami Dikshitar is a South Indian poet and composer and is one of the Musical Trinity of Carnatic music...	1775 - 1835	Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand... , Mani Pravaalam	400
Oottukkadu Venkata Kavi Oottukkadu Venkata Kavi Ootthukkadu Venkata Kavi was a prominent composer of Carnatic music. He lived in South India in the present-day state of Tamil Nadu. Also known by the name Oothukkadu Venkatasubba Iyer, he is attributed to over 400 compositions. These were handed down from generation to generation by the...	18th century	Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand... , Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...	200
Pacchimiriam Adiyappa Pacchimiriam Adiyappa Pacchimiriam Adiyappa was a famous court musician at the Maratha kingdom of Thanjavur in the 18th century. He was a composer of Carnatic music. Some of his famous disciples were Syama Sastri, one of the Trinity of Carnatic composers, and Ghanam Krishna Iyer...	18th century	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
Thanjavur Quartet Thanjavur Quartet Thanjavur Quartet or Tanjore Quartet were four brothers who lived during the early 19th century and contributed to the development of the Indian classical dance Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music. While they excelled in the art of Bharatanatyam, they have also authored a number of Tana varnams and...	18th century	Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand... , Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
Tiruvarur Ramaswami Pillai Tiruvarur Ramaswami Pillai Ramaswami Pillai was an Indian composer. He was born in Tiruvarur to Kamala Tyagesam Pillai and Vasantammal, a family of Nayinar adiyarassociated with the Tyagesa temple at Tiruvarur...	1798 - 1852	Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
Thyagaraja Swami	1767 - 1847	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu... , Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...	50,000
Sadasiva Brahmendra Sadasiva Brahmendra Sadasiva Brahmendra was a saint, a composer of Carnatic music and an Advaita philosopher who lived near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu during the 18th century. He composed mainly in Sanskrit. Only a few of his compositions have survived but they are recognised as great compositions of Carnatic Music.-...	18th century	Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
Syama Sastri Syama Sastri Syama Sastri is one of the most renowned composers of Carnatic music. He was the eldest of the so-called Trinity of Carnatic music, Tyagaraja and Muthuswami Dikshitar being the other two. A major source for his biography is a chapter in P. Sambamoorthy's book, Great Composers, 69-94...	1762 - 1827	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...	400

Post-Trinity Composers - 19th Century

Composer Composer A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...	Years	Languages	Approx. Number of Compositions	Other Info
Subramaniya Bharathiyar	1882 - 1921	Tamil,Sanskrit
Annamalai Reddiyar Annamalai Reddiyar Annamalai Reddiyar was a Tamil poet. He was born in Chennikulam, Sankarankoil taluk, Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. Although his mother tongue was Telugu, he was a great exponent of Tamil poetry. He wrote the Kavadi Sindhu about Murugan ....	1865 - 1891
Anai Ayya brothers Anai Ayya brothers Anai Ayya brothers were two brothers, who lived in the 19th century Tamil Nadu, and were composers of Carnatic music. Anai Iyer and Annavaiyyar composed both in Telugu and Tamil and used the mudra Umadasa....	19th Century	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...	20
Dharmapuri Subbarayar Dharmapuri Subbarayar Dharmapuri Subbarayar was a composer of Carnatic music who lived during the nineteenth century. He composed mainly in the Telugu language and used Dharmapuri, the name of his birthplace and a city in Tamil Nadu, as his mudra. He was famous for composing Jaavali, a song-type used for romantic...	19th century	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...	50	Composed many Jaavalis
Ennappadam Venkatarama Bhagavatar Ennappadam Venkatarama Bhagavatar Ennappadam Venkatarama Bhagavatar was a composer of Carnatic music.One of his books, Venkata Ramaniyam, has been recommended as a text book by Kerala University.-References:...	1880 - 1961			'
Gopalakrishna Bharathi Gopalakrishna Bharathi Gopalakrishna Bharati was a Tamil poet and a composer of Carnatic music. He wrote a katAkALatcEpam , NantanAr Carittiram , two other works in this genre, and many independent kritis....	1811 - 1896	Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...	50
Koteeswara Iyer Koteeswara Iyer Koteeswara Iyer , was a composer of Carnatic music. He was a grandson of Kavi Kunjara Bharati. Koteeswara Iyer studied music under Poochi Srinivasa Iyengar and Patnam Subramania Iyer...	1870 - 1940	Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore... , Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...	200	Composed in all 72 Melakarta Melakarta Melakarta is a collection of fundamental ragas in Carnatic music . Melakarta ragas are parent ragas from which other ragas may be generated. A melakarta raga is sometimes referred as mela, karta or sampurna as well.In Hindustani music the thaat is equivalent of Melakarta...  raagas
Kurainadu Natesa Pillai	1830 - 1925
Krishnarajendra Wodeyar III Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar was the ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Mysore in India. Also known as Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, he belonged to the Wodeyar dynasty and ruled his state for nearly seventy years, from 30 June 1799 to 27 March 1868. He is known for his contribution and patronage...	1799 - 1868	Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand... , Kannada
Maha Vaidyanatha Iyer Maha Vaidyanatha Iyer Maha Vaidyanatha Sivan was a composer of Carnatic music. He was a great exponent of extemporaneous singing. He also composed a ragamalika with all the 72 melakartha ragas....	1844 - 1893	Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...	100	Composed 72-Melakarta Melakarta Melakarta is a collection of fundamental ragas in Carnatic music . Melakarta ragas are parent ragas from which other ragas may be generated. A melakarta raga is sometimes referred as mela, karta or sampurna as well.In Hindustani music the thaat is equivalent of Melakarta...  raaga maalika
Manambuchavadi Venkatasubbayyar Manambuchavadi Venkatasubbayyar Akumadugula Manambuchavadi Venkatasubbaiyya was a Carnatic music composer. He was a cousin and a direct student of the famous composer Tyagaraja. He was an accomplished singer and a renowned teacher.He was a scholar in Telugu and Sanskrit.He composed in Telugu Language.Venkatasubbaiyya was born...	19th century	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...	50	Desciple of Thyagaraja
Mayuram Viswanatha Sastri	1893 - 1958	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu... , Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...	50
Muthiah Bhagavatar Muthiah Bhagavatar Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavatar , commonly known as Muthiah Bhagavatar, is one of Carnatic classical music's famous twentieth century composers. He also created about 20 ragas.-Early life:...	1877 - 1945	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu... , Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...	200
Mysore Sadasiva Rao Mysore Sadasiva Rao Mysore Sadasiva Rao was a composer of Carnatic music in the traditions of Tyagaraja. He was a prominent vocalist in the court of the king of Mysore, India. He is credited with developing the 'Mysore style' of carnatic music....	b. 1790	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu... , Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...	100
Mysore Vasudevacharya	1865 - 1961	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu... , Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...	250
Neelakanta Sivan Neelakanta Sivan Neelakanta Sivan was a composer of Carnatic music. Although he did not receive any formal musical training, his compositions exhibit deep technical brilliance. Neelakanta Sivan was born in 1839 at Vadiveeswaram, a part of Nagercoil, he stayed at Padmanabhapuram, the capital of the old Travancore...	1839 - 1900	Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...	100
Pallavi Seshayyar Pallavi Seshayyar Pallavi Seshayyer was a composer of Carnatic music, who followed the traditions of the famous composer Tyagaraja. Seshayyar was a singer in the court of the king of Mysore. As a singer, he was an expert of the techniques of Ragam-Thanam-Pallavi, a unique style of singing Carnatic music. This...	1842 - 1905	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
Papanasam Sivan Papanasam Sivan Papanasam Sivan was a prominent composer of Carnatic music and a singer.A famous composer, Sivan was also known as Tamil Thyagayya. Using Classical South Indian as a base, Sivan created numerous hits popularised by M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar and M. S...	1890 - 1973	Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore... , Mani Pravaalam	300
Patnam Subramania Iyer Patnam Subramania Iyer Patnam Subramania Iyer was a composer and singer of Carnatic music. Subramaniya Iyer followed the traditions of the great composer Tyagaraja. He has left behind almost one hundred compositions....	1845 - 1902	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...	100
Pattabhiramayya Pattabhiramayya Pattabhiramayya was a nineteenth century composer of Carnatic music. He composed in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada languages. He was born in the village of Tiruppanandal near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, India....	19th century
Poochi Srinivasa Iyengar Poochi Srinivasa Iyengar Poochi Srinivasa Iyengar , also known as Ramanathapuram Srinivasa Iyengar, was a singer and composer of Carnatic music. He was born in Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu on August 16, 1860. He studied music under Patnam Subramania Iyer , a singer of Carnatic music and came in the sishya parampara of...	1860 - 1919'	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...	100
Subbarama Dikshitar Subbarama Dikshitar Subbarama Dikshitar was a Carnatic music composer. He was the grandson of Baluswami Dikshitar, a brother of Muthuswami Dikshitar. He was a great composer in his own right, but is more famous for his Sangita Sampradaya Pradarshini, a book detailing the works of Muthuswami Dikshitar and a reference...	1839 - 1906	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...	50
Subbaraya Sastri Subbaraya Sastri Subbaraya Sastri the son and student of Syama Sastri, one of the most famous figures in the history of Carnatic music. He also has the unique distinction of having studied music from all the three of the musicians now acknowledged as "the Trinity of Carnatic Music": his father, and the master...	1803 - 1862	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...	100	Son of Syama Sastri Syama Sastri Syama Sastri is one of the most renowned composers of Carnatic music. He was the eldest of the so-called Trinity of Carnatic music, Tyagaraja and Muthuswami Dikshitar being the other two. A major source for his biography is a chapter in P. Sambamoorthy's book, Great Composers, 69-94...
Swati Tirunal	1813 - 1847	Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand... , Hindi Hindi Standard Hindi, or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi, also known as Manak Hindi , High Hindi, Nagari Hindi, and Literary Hindi, is a standardized and sanskritized register of the Hindustani language derived from the Khariboli dialect of Delhi... , Malayalam, Mani Pravaalam	200
Tiruvottriyur Tyagayyar Tiruvottriyur Tyagayyar Tiruvottriyur Tyagayyar was a Carnatic music composer. He was the son of the composer Veena Kuppayyar. He composed mainly in the Telugu language.-External links:...	1845 - 1917	Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...	50
Veena Kuppayyar Veena Kuppayyar Veena Kuppayyar was an exponent of Veena and a composer of Carnatic music. He was a student of the famous composer Tyagaraja. Kuppayar composed his songs in Telugu language and has left behind a number of popular kritis-Early life:...	1798 - 1860	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...	100	Desciple of Thyagaraja

Post-Trinity Composers - 20th Century and up

Composer Composer A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...	Years	Languages	Approx. Number of Compositions	Other Info
Dandapani Desikar Dandapani Desikar M M Dandapani Desikar was a Carnatic vocalist, actor and composer.Dandapani Desikar was born in Tiruchengattangudi, near Nannilam in Madras Presidency. He got training from Manicka Desikar and Kumbakonam Rajamanickam Pillai. He was the son of Muthiah Desikar. He gave his first performance in...	1908 - 1972		55
GN Balasubramaniam	1910 - 1965	Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand... , Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu... , Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...	90
K. R. Kedaranathan	1925 - 2007
Lalgudi Jayaraman Lalgudi Jayaraman Lalgudi Jayarama Iyer is a well-known Carnatic violinist, vocalist and composer.-Early life and background:...	b. 1930		60	'
Maharajapuram Santhanam Maharajapuram Santhanam Sangeetha Kalanidhi Maharajapuram Santhanam , was one of the great Carnatic music vocalists of the 20th century. He was born in Sirunangur, a village in the state of Tamil Nadu. He followed the footsteps of his father Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer who was also a Carnatic singer.- Profile :Besides...			>
M. Balamuralikrishna Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna is a Carnatic vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and a playback singer. He is also acclaimed as a poet, composer and respected by all Indian classical musicians for his knowledge of Carnatic Music....	b. 1930	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu... , Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...	200	Composed in all 72 Melakarta Melakarta Melakarta is a collection of fundamental ragas in Carnatic music . Melakarta ragas are parent ragas from which other ragas may be generated. A melakarta raga is sometimes referred as mela, karta or sampurna as well.In Hindustani music the thaat is equivalent of Melakarta...  raagas
M. D. Ramanathan M. D. Ramanathan Manjapara Devesa Ramanathan affectionately called MDR was a Carnatic music composer and vocalist.-Early life:...	1923 - 1984	Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...	300
Mysore V. Ramarathnam V. Ramarathnam V. Ramarathnam was a Carnatic musician, author, teacher and composer. Ramarthnam, the vocalist disciple of Sangeetha Rathna Mysore T. Chowdiah. He was the first Principal of the University College of Music and Dance, University of Mysore since its inception in 1965, a position which he held till...	1917 - 2008
L. Subramaniam L. Subramaniam Dr. Lakshminarayana Subramaniam is an acclaimed Indian violinist, composer and conductor, trained in the classical Carnatic music tradition and Western classical music, and renowned for his virtuoso playing techniques and compositions in orchestral fusion.-Early years:Subramaniam was born to V...	b. 1947
N. Ramani N. Ramani N. Ramani is a renowned Indian Carnatic flautist.-Early life and background:N. Ramani was born in Tiruvarur in Tamil Nadu. Aside from the influence of his place of birth, Ramani was born into a musical family...	b. 1934		10
N. Ravikiran	b. 1967	Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand... , Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...	50
Ganam (Ganasaraswathy) Ganam (Ganasaraswathy) Ganasaraswathy known as is the daughter of the late V. Lakshminarayana Iyer & Seethalakshmi. Ganam studied music under the guidance of her highly respected father at a tender age of four. She has founded the Lakshminarayana School of Music in honor of her father.Following in the footsteps of her...	'	Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore... , Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand... , Mani Pravaalam	600	http://www.ganam.org
Nallan Chakravartula Krishnamaachaaryulu	1925 - 2006	Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...	30
Periyasaamy Thooran Periyasaamy Thooran Periyasaami Thooran was a patriot, Tamil poet, teacher, and a composer of Carnatic music.-Early life:...	1908 - 1987	Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...	305
S. Ramanathan S. Ramanathan S. Ramanathan was a Carnatic music singer and musicologist.He learned music from Tiger Varadachariar, Sabesa Iyer, Ponniah Pillai, and Sathur Krishna Iyengar. He received a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, where he also taught.He had disciples who have...	1917 - 1988	Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...	50
Uppalapati Ankaiah	1914 - 1966	Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...	'

Saint Gnanananda Tirtha( Sri Ogirala Veera Raghava Sarma), 1908- 1989, Telugu, Sanskrit, 86, mudras Gnanananda Tirtha, Raghava, Deviganasudha
website gnanananda tirtha.com

Other Composers

• Rallapalli Anantha Krishna Sharma
  Rallapalli Anantha Krishna Sharma
  Sangita Kalanidhi Rallapalli Anantha Krishna Sharma was a noted composer of Carnatic music, singer as well as a writer.-Life:...
  
   (1893 – 1979) http://sites.google.com/site/rallapallisharma
• K.M. Soundaryavalli (July 22, 1914 – October 8, 1994)
• Mangalam Ganapathy
• N. S. Ramachandran
  N. S. Ramachandran
  N. S. Ramachandran was one of the leading composers of Carnatic music.-External links:*...
  
  
• Tanjavur Sankara Iyer
• K. R. Kumaraswamy Iyer
• Tanjavur S.Kalyanaraman
• Tirupati Narayanaswami Naidu
• Kadaloor M. Subramaniam
• Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswati
• Ragasri Kumaramangalam Srinivasaraghavan
• Saint Gnanananda Tirtha ( Sri Ogirala Veera Raghava Sarma Garu),(23-3-1908 - 4-1-1989)

Other Composers in Mysore Kingdom

• Vaikunta Dasaru (1680)
• Veena Venkata Subbiah (1750)
• Shunti Venkataramaniah (1780)
• Aliya Lingaraja Urs (1823 – 1874)
• Chinniah (1902)
• Krishnappa
• Veena Chikka Lakshminaranappa
• Veene Krishnappa
• Piteelu Seenappa
• Bhairavi Lakshminaranappa (1878 – 1934)
• Pedda Lakshminaranappa
• Devalapurada Nanjunda
• Veena Shamanna (1832 – 1908)
• Veena Padmanabiah (1842 – 1900)
• Veene Sheshanna
  Veene Sheshanna
  Veene Sheshanna was an exponent of the Veena, an Indian string instrument, which he played in the classical Carnatic music style. He was a concert musician at the court of the princely state of Mysore in south India.-Family:...
  
   (1852 – 1926)
• Mysore Karigiri Rao (1853 – 1927)
• Veena Subbanna (1861 – 1939)
• Bidaram Krishnappa (1866 – 1931)
• Tiruppunandal Pattabhiramiah (1863)
• Sosale Ayya Shastry (1854 – 1934)
• Rallapalli Anantha Krishna Sharma
  Rallapalli Anantha Krishna Sharma
  Sangita Kalanidhi Rallapalli Anantha Krishna Sharma was a noted composer of Carnatic music, singer as well as a writer.-Life:...
  
   (1893 – 1979)http://sites.google.com/site/rallapallisharma
• Jayarayacharya (1846–1906)
• Giribhattara Tammayya (1865 – 1920)
• Nanjangud Subba Shastry (1834 – 1906)
• Chandrashekara Shastry
• Veena Subramanya Iyer (1864 – 1919)
• Veena Shivaramiah (1886 – 1946)
• Veena Venkatagiriappa (1887 – 1952)
• Belakawadi Srinivasa Iyengar (1888 – 1952)
• Chikka Ramarao (1891 – 1945)
• Mysore T. Chowdiah (1894 – 1967)
• Jayachamaraja Wodeyar (1919 – 1974)
• Dr. B. Devendrappa (1899 – 1986)
• Gotuvadyam Narayana Iyengar (1903 – 1959)
• Tiruvayyar Subramanya Iyer
• Anavatti Rama Rao (1860)
• Tiger Varadachariar
  Tiger Varadachariar
  Tiger Varadachariar was a famous Carnatic music vocalist who hailed from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. M. D. Ramanathan was his student.-Early life:...
  
   (1876 – 1950)
• Chennakeshaviah (1895 – 1986)
• Titte Krishna Iyengar (1902 – 1997)
• S.N. Mariappa (1914 – 1986)
• Chintalapalli Ramachandra Rao (1916 – 1985)
• R.N.Doreswamy (1916 – 2002)
• H.M. Vaidyalinga Bhagavatar (1924 – 1999)
• Bellary M Seshagiri Achar (1935 – 1985)

Other composers - Bhakti Saints

In addition to the above composers, various Bhakti

Bhakti

In Hinduism Bhakti is religious devotion in the form of active involvement of a devotee in worship of the divine.Within monotheistic Hinduism, it is the love felt by the worshipper towards the personal God, a concept expressed in Hindu theology as Svayam Bhagavan.Bhakti can be used of either...

saints of medieval India also composed devotional hymns, verses and songs. These compositions, though strictly not of Carnatic or classical character, have contributed to the gradual evolution of the Carnatic musical tradition over the centuries.

• Karaikkal Ammeiyar
  Karaikkal Ammeiyar
  Karaikkal Ammaiyar , one of the three women amongst the sixty three Nayanmars, is one of the greatest figures of early Tamil literature. Her birth name was Punithavati. She was born at Karaikkal, South India, and probably lived during the 6th century...
  
   (5th century)
• Thirunavukkarasar
  Thirunavukkarasar
  Tirunavukkarasar , , also known as Appar was a seventh century Saivite poet-saint of Tamil Nadu, one of the most prominent of the sixty-three Nayanars. He was an older contemporary of Sambandar...
  
   (7th century)
• Thirugnana Sambanthar (7th century)
• Sundaramurti (7th century)
• Andal
  Andal
  Andal is the the only female Alvar of the 12 Alvar saints of South India, who are known for their affiliation to Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism. She is credited with the great Tamil works of Thirupavai and Nachiar Tirumozhi that are still recited by devotees during the Winter festival season of...
  
   (9th century)
• Manikkavasagar
  Manikkavasagar
  Manikkavacakar was a Tamil poet who wrote Tiruvacakam, a book of Shaiva hymns. Manikkavacakar was one of the poets of the Hindu bhakti revival: his work forms one volume of the Tirumurai, the key religious text of Tamil Shaiva Siddhanta. A minister to the Pandya king Varagunavarman II , he lived...
  
   (10th century)
• Allama Prabhu
  Allama Prabhu
  Allama Prabhu is a mystic-saint and Vachana poet of the Kannada language in the 12th century. Prabhu is the patron saint , the undisputed spiritual authority, and an integral part of the Lingayata movement that decisively shaped society in medieval Karnataka and...
  
   (12th century)
• Muthu Thandavar
  Muthu Thandavar
  Muthu Thandavar was composer of Carnatic music. He was an early architect of the present day Carnatic kriti format, which consists of the pallavi , anupallavi and charanam. He lived in the town of Sirkazhi in Tamil Nadu. His contributions to Carnatic music have been largely forgotten and not many...
  
   (14th century)
• Vyasatirtha
  Vyasatirtha
  Vyasatirtha , also called Vyasaraja or Vyasaraya or Vyasraja swamin, was acclaimed as one of the three spiritual lights or munitrayam of dvaita Vedanta, i.e., Sri Madhvacharya, Sri Jayatirtha and Sri Vyasatirtha. He was a scholar of very high order with a judicious defence of the Dvaita Vedanta...
  
   (1460 &nadsh; 1539)
• Vadirajatirtha
  Vadirajatirtha
  Sri Vadirajatirtha , traditionally 1480 - 1600, a Haridasa, is said to have been a Shivalli Tulu Brahmin and native of the village of Hoovinakere, near Kumbhashi in Kundapura taluk, Udupi District in Karnataka state...
  
   (1480 – 1600)
• Narayana Teertha
  Narayana Teertha
  Sri Narayana Teertha was a composer of Carnatic music.-Brief lifesketch:Narayana was born in South India in the region covered by the present-day Andhra Pradesh. He lived in Kaja near Mangalagiri in Guntur district. They belonged to Tallavajhula family. His birth name was Govinda Sastrulu...
  
   (1580 – 1660)
• Kanakadasa  (1509 – 1609)
• Raghavendra Swami
  Raghavendra Swami
  Raghavendra Theertha was a Hindu saint and philosopher who served as the head of the Sri Mutt in Kumbakonam from 1624 to 1636. He wrote a commentary Sudha Parimala on the Nyaya Sudha, an exposition of Dvaita philosophy...
  
   (1595 – 1671)
• Mahipathidasa (1611 – 1681)
• Vijaya Dasa
  Vijaya Dasa
  Vijaya Dasa or Sri Vijaya Dasa was a prominent saint from the Haridasa tradition of Karnataka, India in the 18th century. Sri VijayaDasaru is an amsha of Sri Brighu Muni; the very same muni, who was the nimmita for the eternal kshetra Tirumala ! Sri Krishna himself in BG 10.25 says "maharsinam...
  
  (1682 – 1755)
• Prasanna Venkatadasa (1680 – 1752)
• Gopaladasa (1722 – 1762)
• Jagannathadasa (1727 – 1809)
• Praneshadasa (1736 – 1822)
• Venugopaladasa (1728 – 1751)
• Mohanadasa (1728 – 1751)
• Helevanakatte Giriamma (18th century)
• Harapanhalli Bhimavva (1822 – 1903)
• Guru Jagananatha Dasa (1837 – 1918)