SANGEETHA KALANIDHI AWARD (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)

Context: Recently, social and other media platforms have been buzzing with news of the diatribe against TM Krishna by musicians who find it offensive that he was recently conferred the "prestigious" Sangeetha Kalanidhi award by The Music Academy, Chennai.

Sangeetha Kalanidhi Award

• About: Sangita Kalanidhi is revered as the pinnacle of achievement in the realm of Carnatic music, symbolizing unparalleled mastery and contribution to the art form.
• Inception in 1942: The prestigious title of Sangita Kalanidhi was established in the year 1942, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of excellence within Carnatic music.
• Evolution from Tradition: Prior to its formal establishment, the tradition involved inviting a distinguished senior musician or expert to preside over the annual conference of the Music Academy.
• Recognition: In 1942, the decision was made to formalize this recognition by conferring the title of Sangita Kalanidhi upon the musician presiding over the Music Academy's conference, accompanied by a gold medal and a birudu patra (citation).
• Honor: Since 2005, the honor of Sangita Kalanidhi has been supplemented with the MS Subbulakshmi Award, presented by The Hindu, further elevating its significance and prestige.
• 2023 awardees: Bombay Jayashri (Vocalist)

Carnatic Music

• About: It  is primarily associated with southern India, spanning states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. It also finds practice in Sri Lanka.
• Ancient Roots and Tradition: Rooted in ancient Hindu traditions, Carnatic music has a rich heritage that dates back centuries.
• Distinct Genre within Indian Classical Music: It stands as one of the two primary genres of Indian classical music, the other being Hindustani music.
• Differences from Hindustani Music: While Hindustani music evolved with influences from Persian and Islamic traditions in northern India, Carnatic music retains its unique character shaped by the cultural milieu of southern India.