Sheik Chinna Moulana
Encyclopedia
Dr.Sheik Chinna Moulana popularly known as Sheik was a legendary Nadhaswaram Player in the Carnatic tradition. He achieved high position through his outstanding control over the instrument, rendering the Krities in the Gayaki style and for his extraordinary style of Raga Alapana.
(Nadhaswaram Players). The ancient and traditional art of Nadhaswaram playing had been preserved and fostered by the ancestors of Sheik Chinna Moulana, for the past 300 years. Following is list of the doyens who contributed to Chinna Moulana’s tradition.
1. Vidhwan Adam Sahib - known for his expertise in the “Ragha - Devagandhari”.
2. Vidhwan RasavAripalem Kasim sahib - deeply learned and could answer any doubts on music.
3. Kommur Pitcha sahib - enriched the art of Nadhaswaram.
4. Vidhwan Chinna Moula Sahib and Pedda Moula Sahib brothers- Chinna Moula was well versed in Sanskrit epics like Ramayanam and Amaram and could expound these epics in Telugu.
5. The Kommur brothers Pentu Sahib and Silar sahib - were called geniuses for the raghas Kalyani, Bilahari & Kedharagowla.
6. Chinna Peeru Sahib and Peddha Peeru Sahib Brothers - were famous for their proficiency in the Raghas Saveri and Abheri. Chinna Peeru was honored with the title ‘Nadha Brahma”.
7. Sheik Adam sahib of Chilakaluripeta - Guru of Dr.Sheik Chinna Moulana- acclaimed fame for his Ragha Alapana.
8. Sheik Madar Sahib - Sheik Kasim Sahib Pair - were also geniuses. Madar Sahib was Chinn Moulan’s Uncle and Kasim sahib was Chinna Moulana’s father.
. Even at very early age he achieved proficiency in Nadhaswaram, first under the tutorship of his father Sheik Kasim Sahib and later under Sheik Adam Sahib, a renowned Nadhaswaram player of Chilakaluripeta, Andhra Pradesh. Recognizing the importance and the role of “Thanjavur Bhaani” (style of playing) he very much wanted to get trained in this. With this in view, he was under the tutelage of M/s. Rajam and Duraikannu brothers of Nachiarkovil (Thanjavur District - Tamilnandu) for some years.
Chinna Moulana was a childhood admirer of T.N. Rajarathnam Pillai, and observed Rajarathinam Pillai as his Maanasika Guru. Chinna Moulana closely observed the style of Rajarathinam Pillai from the early age itself and adapted Rajarathinam Pillai’s playing techniques in his own playing style
, India
and quickly gained renown.
Sheik Chinna Moulana was an ardent devotee of Lord Ranganatha, which lead him to reside in the pilgrim city of Srirangam
.
He performed at the Third International Asian Trade Fair, New Delhi
in the year 1972. He had also given performance at Red Fort, New Delhi during February, 1973 at the invitation of Government of India on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of India’s Independence.
He has give performances widely both in India and abroad. He had visited Sri Lanka many times. He went to the United States and Canada in 1973 under the East-West exchange program. There he was awarded the title of “Nadhaswara Acharya” by Vassar College, New York. He visited Hong Kong in 1982 as an Indian Cultural delegate to the 7th Asian Arts Festival. He visited Soviet Union in 1987 during Sept. /Oct. to give concerts in the Festival of India there. He went to Germany in 1991 during September to give his inaugural concerts in the festival of India in Germany. He traveled all over Germany and gave concerts. He visited France too in 1991. He visited Finland in 1996 and performed in the International Music Festival there. He visited U.A.E in Sept. 1997 and took part in the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of India’s Independence held in U.A.E.
He has give performances at many important centers. A few are (i) Tansen Festival- Gwalior.(i) SAARC Festival (iii) Teenmurthy Bhavan, New Delhi and so on. He gave a number of lecture demonstrations on Nadhaswaram music, both in home and abroad. He was appointed as the “State Artist” of Tamil Nadu by the Govt. of Tamil Nadu.
He was a Hon. Professor in the Raja’s Government Music College of Thiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.
in the heart of Tamil Nadu
he had founded the “Saradha Nadhaswara Sangeetha Ashram” with the sole aim of imparting knowledge of music
- Nadhaswaram playing in particular to younger generation and he achieved in producing a number of notable students from the Ashram.
Films Division (Govt. of India
) made a film
on Dr. Sheik Chinna Moulana (Non-feature Film). This film has been selected for the 31st National
Film Festival of India
(Indian Panorama-2000) and also for the International film Festival of India
.
Dr.Sheik Chinna Moulana passed away on April 13, 1999 in Srirangam
, at the abode Lord Ranganatha after brief illness.
Tradition
Sheik Chinna Moulana hails from a family of MusicMusic
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
(Nadhaswaram Players). The ancient and traditional art of Nadhaswaram playing had been preserved and fostered by the ancestors of Sheik Chinna Moulana, for the past 300 years. Following is list of the doyens who contributed to Chinna Moulana’s tradition.
1. Vidhwan Adam Sahib - known for his expertise in the “Ragha - Devagandhari”.
2. Vidhwan RasavAripalem Kasim sahib - deeply learned and could answer any doubts on music.
3. Kommur Pitcha sahib - enriched the art of Nadhaswaram.
4. Vidhwan Chinna Moula Sahib and Pedda Moula Sahib brothers- Chinna Moula was well versed in Sanskrit epics like Ramayanam and Amaram and could expound these epics in Telugu.
5. The Kommur brothers Pentu Sahib and Silar sahib - were called geniuses for the raghas Kalyani, Bilahari & Kedharagowla.
6. Chinna Peeru Sahib and Peddha Peeru Sahib Brothers - were famous for their proficiency in the Raghas Saveri and Abheri. Chinna Peeru was honored with the title ‘Nadha Brahma”.
7. Sheik Adam sahib of Chilakaluripeta - Guru of Dr.Sheik Chinna Moulana- acclaimed fame for his Ragha Alapana.
8. Sheik Madar Sahib - Sheik Kasim Sahib Pair - were also geniuses. Madar Sahib was Chinn Moulan’s Uncle and Kasim sahib was Chinna Moulana’s father.
Early life
Sheik Chinna Moulana was born in Karavadi Village, Prakasam District, Andhra PradeshAndhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
. Even at very early age he achieved proficiency in Nadhaswaram, first under the tutorship of his father Sheik Kasim Sahib and later under Sheik Adam Sahib, a renowned Nadhaswaram player of Chilakaluripeta, Andhra Pradesh. Recognizing the importance and the role of “Thanjavur Bhaani” (style of playing) he very much wanted to get trained in this. With this in view, he was under the tutelage of M/s. Rajam and Duraikannu brothers of Nachiarkovil (Thanjavur District - Tamilnandu) for some years.
Chinna Moulana was a childhood admirer of T.N. Rajarathnam Pillai, and observed Rajarathinam Pillai as his Maanasika Guru. Chinna Moulana closely observed the style of Rajarathinam Pillai from the early age itself and adapted Rajarathinam Pillai’s playing techniques in his own playing style
Career
Sheik Chinna Moulana gave is first performance in 60s in Tamil NaduTamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
and quickly gained renown.
Sheik Chinna Moulana was an ardent devotee of Lord Ranganatha, which lead him to reside in the pilgrim city of Srirangam
Srirangam
Srirangam , Old name is Vellithirumutha gramam and Tamil name is Thiruvarangam , is an island and a part of the city of Tiruchirapalli , in South India....
.
He performed at the Third International Asian Trade Fair, New Delhi
New Delhi
New Delhi is the capital city of India. It serves as the centre of the Government of India and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. New Delhi is situated within the metropolis of Delhi. It is one of the nine districts of Delhi Union Territory. The total area of the city is...
in the year 1972. He had also given performance at Red Fort, New Delhi during February, 1973 at the invitation of Government of India on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of India’s Independence.
He has give performances widely both in India and abroad. He had visited Sri Lanka many times. He went to the United States and Canada in 1973 under the East-West exchange program. There he was awarded the title of “Nadhaswara Acharya” by Vassar College, New York. He visited Hong Kong in 1982 as an Indian Cultural delegate to the 7th Asian Arts Festival. He visited Soviet Union in 1987 during Sept. /Oct. to give concerts in the Festival of India there. He went to Germany in 1991 during September to give his inaugural concerts in the festival of India in Germany. He traveled all over Germany and gave concerts. He visited France too in 1991. He visited Finland in 1996 and performed in the International Music Festival there. He visited U.A.E in Sept. 1997 and took part in the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of India’s Independence held in U.A.E.
He has give performances at many important centers. A few are (i) Tansen Festival- Gwalior.(i) SAARC Festival (iii) Teenmurthy Bhavan, New Delhi and so on. He gave a number of lecture demonstrations on Nadhaswaram music, both in home and abroad. He was appointed as the “State Artist” of Tamil Nadu by the Govt. of Tamil Nadu.
He was a Hon. Professor in the Raja’s Government Music College of Thiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.
Awards
- “Mangala Vadhya Visaradha”- at KumbakonamKumbakonamKumbakonam , also spelt as Coombaconum in the records of British India , is a town and a special grade municipality in the Thanjavur district in the southeast Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Located 40 kilometres from Thanjavur and 272 kilometres from Chennai, it is the headquarters of the Kumbakonam...
in 1964 - “Kalaimamani”- Govt. of Tamil NaduTamil NaduTamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
in 1976 - “Padmasri”- Govt. of IndiaIndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
in 1977 - “Central Sangeet Natak Academy award" – in 1977
- “Ganakala Prapooma”- Andhra PradeshAndhra PradeshAndhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
Sangeet Natak Academy in 1980 - “Gandharva Kalanidhi" – at Rajamundry( A.P)” in 1981
- “Madhura Kala Praveena” – Sadhguru Sangeetha Samajam, MaduraiMaduraiMadurai is the third largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It served as the capital city of the Pandyan Kingdom. It is the administrative headquarters of Madurai District and is famous for its temples built by Pandyan and...
- “Nadhaswara Kalanidhi” – Saraswathy Kala Samithy, Machilipatnam, Andhra PradeshAndhra PradeshAndhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
, in 1984 - “Sapthagiri Vidhwanmani”- Thyagaraja Festival Committee, TirupatiTirupatiTirupati may refer to:* Tirupati Temple - Temple of Lord Venkateshwara* Tirupati - a pilgrimage city located in the vicinity of the Tirupati Temple* Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams - Trust of Tirupati Temple* Thirupathi - a 2006 Tamil film...
-1984 - “Akhila Bharatha Nadhaswara Eka Chakradhipathi” – Sri Jambukeshwar Dewasthanam, Trichy, in 1985
- “Hon. Degree of Doctorate” – Andhra UniversityAndhra UniversityAndhra University or Andhra Viswa Kala Parishad , located in Visakhapatnam, north east coastal Andhra Pradesh, is one of the older premier universities in India with a broad focus...
, VisakhapatnamVisakhapatnamVisakhapatnam is a major sea port on the south east coast of India. With a population of approximately 1.7 million, it is the second largest city in the state of Andhra Pradesh and the third largest city on the east coast of India after Kolkata and Chennai. According to the history, the city was...
in 1985 - “Honour by Telugu University”- at HyderabadHyderabad-India:* Hyderabad, India, the capital city of the state of Andhra Pradesh* Hyderabad District, India, a district in the state of Andhra Pradesh* Hyderabad State, the pre-1956 state* Hyderabad, Uttar Pradesh, a village in Uttar Pradesh...
in 1987 - “Award of Senior Fellowship” – Govt. of IndiaIndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
in 1988 - “Sangeetha Vidhwanmani” – Thyagaraja kala Samithy, VijayawadaVijayawadaVijayawada is the third largest city in Andhra Pradesh, India, located on the banks of the Krishna River and bounded by the Indrakiladri Hills on the West and the Budameru River on the North. The city is located in the Krishna District, about from the state capital Hyderabad.Vijayawada literally...
- 1988 - “Emeritus Fellowship” – Awarded by the Govt. of IndiaIndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
in 1993 - "Bridhu" awarded by H.H. Shri Jagadguru Srimad Bharathi Teertha Mahaswamy at ShringeriShringeriSringeri , also written as Sringeri, Śŗngeri and Śŗngagiri is a hill town and taluk headquarters located in Chikmagalur district in the Indian state of Karnataka, is the site of the first maţha established by Adi Shankaracharya, Hindu theologian and exponent of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, in...
in 1993. Also appointed as the Asthana Vidhwan of Shringeri mutt - “Sangeetha Kala Nipuna” – Mylapore Fine Arts Club, Madras on 11.12.1993 conferred by Shri. R. Venkatraman, President of India
- “Isai Peraringar” – Tamil Isai Sangam, Madras - conferred by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamilnadu Dr. J. Jayalalitha on 21.12.1993
- “Sangeetha Rathna Mysore T. Chowdaiah National Award” – Conferred by His Excellency Shri. K.R. Narayanan, Vice- President of India, at the Academy of musicMusicMusic is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
, BangaloreBangaloreBengaluru , formerly called Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bangalore is nicknamed the Garden City and was once called a pensioner's paradise. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous city and...
on 4.3.1995. - "Award of Rajarathna” – Muthamizh Peravai, Madras on 1.12.1995, conferred by Sri. M. Karunanidhi, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
- “Sangeetha Kalanidhi” – conferred by MusicMusicMusic is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
AcademyAcademyAn academy is an institution of higher learning, research, or honorary membership.The name traces back to Plato's school of philosophy, founded approximately 385 BC at Akademia, a sanctuary of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and skill, north of Athens, Greece. In the western world academia is the...
, ChennaiChennaiChennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
on 1.1.1999.
Contribution
Having settled down in SrirangamSrirangam
Srirangam , Old name is Vellithirumutha gramam and Tamil name is Thiruvarangam , is an island and a part of the city of Tiruchirapalli , in South India....
in the heart of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
he had founded the “Saradha Nadhaswara Sangeetha Ashram” with the sole aim of imparting knowledge of music
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
- Nadhaswaram playing in particular to younger generation and he achieved in producing a number of notable students from the Ashram.
Films Division (Govt. of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
) made a film
Film
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
on Dr. Sheik Chinna Moulana (Non-feature Film). This film has been selected for the 31st National
Film Festival of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
(Indian Panorama-2000) and also for the International film Festival of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
.
Dr.Sheik Chinna Moulana passed away on April 13, 1999 in Srirangam
Srirangam
Srirangam , Old name is Vellithirumutha gramam and Tamil name is Thiruvarangam , is an island and a part of the city of Tiruchirapalli , in South India....
, at the abode Lord Ranganatha after brief illness.
Foundation of Dr. Sheik Chinna Moulana
After his passing away, his grandsons & disciples Kasim-Babu have established a Trust in memory of their Guru and grandfather - “Dr.Chinnamoulana Memorial Trust”. The prime objective of the Trust is to globalize the importance of Nadhaswaram Music. The Trust is rendering noble service – by presenting Nadhswaram instruments to deserving students and also purses to senior indigent artistes of the Nadhaswaram fraternity.Family
Smt. Bibijan is the only daughter of Sheik Chinna Moulana. Chinna Moulana taught vocal music to his daughter. Sheik Subhan Sahib is the son in law and also disciple of Sheik Chinna Moulana. Subhan Sahib accompanied sheik in concerts for few years. Chinna Moulana has five grand sons and one granddaughter. Of his five grandsons, Chinna Moulana trained Kasim and Babu vigorously and the brothers accompanied Chinna Moulana in his concerts both in home and abroad for many years. Today, Kasim-Babu are the front ranking Nadhaswaram artistes and are the torch bearers of Chinnamoulana’s tradition.Discography
- Dr. Sheik Chinna Moulana – Vol-1 and Vol -2 – By Vani Recording Company
- Nadhaswara Samrat Sheik Chinna Moulana –Immortal series by “T-Series”
- Sheik Chinna Moulana Carnatic Instrumental-Nadhaswaram – by EMI –RPG
- Sheik Chinna Moulana –Nadhaswaram – By EMI Colombia
- Collectors Choice - Dr Sheik Chinna Moulana – Nadhaswaram – By Media dreams Ltd
- Great Master’s Series –Dr.Sheik Chinna Moulana – By media Dreams Ltd
- Paddhathi – Sheik Chinna Moulana-Live Concert -Vol I & II – By Charsur Digital Work Station