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Syama Sastri

Also: Shyama Shastri, Syama Krishna (mudra)

Confidence: high Last verified:

Period
1762 to 1827
Language(s)
Telugu, Sanskrit, Tamil

Biography

Born Venkata Subrahmanya at Tiruvarur, he adopted the name Syama Sastri and signed his songs Syama Krishna. The oldest of the Trinity, he composed fewer songs than the other two (about 300 are credited to him).

Notable contributions

Known for rhythmic complexity and for songs addressed to the goddess Kamakshi. His three famous swarajatis are in Bhairavi, Yadukulakambhoji and Todi. Wikipedia adds that he was probably the first to compose swarajatis in a new form meant to be sung or played; the Sruti profile does not make this claim and describes the form as derived from the dance jatiswaram.

Notable works (titles only)

  • Swarajati in Bhairavi
  • Swarajati in Yadukulakambhoji
  • Swarajati in Todi

References for this page

Type at least two letters. Try a raga name, a tala, or a word like "gamaka".