Module 2

A short history

From ancient texts and the Vijayanagara era to the Trinity and the modern concert.

1. 1. Roots and early texts

   Vedic chant, the Natya Shastra and early Tamil sources, with the uncertainty about dates made plain.

2. 2. From treatises to Purandara Dasa

   The Sangita Ratnakara, an early 20-scale system and the Vijayanagara-era devotional composers.

3. 3. The 72-scale scheme

   How Venkatamakhin and later writers produced the system of 72 parent ragas.

4. 4. The Trinity and the courts

   Court patronage, the three great composers, the Tanjore Quartet and Swati Tirunal.

5. 5. The twentieth century and today

   From court to concert hall: sabhas, the Madras Music Academy and the December season.