Famous musicians of India

India post issued a set of three stamps featuring famous musicians of India.

T.N.Rajaratnam Pillai, the Nagaswara Chakravarti (emperor) hailed from Tiruvadudurai in Tanjavur District. His gurus in Nagaswaram were his uncle Tirumarugal Natesa Pillai and later, Tiruvadudurai Markandam Pillai. Endowed with a very fine voice, he also learnt vocal music from Tirukkodikaval Krishna Iyer. His playing was marked with brilliance, be it racy renditions or slow explorations. His exquisite and soulful playing covered the entire gamut, displaying the different shades and subtleties of the raga, thus revealing the total panorama. He was so popular that a large number of Nagaswaram youngsters were named Rajaratnam.

Thanjavur Balasaraswathi was a celebrated Indian dancer, and her rendering of Bharatanatyam, a classical dance style, made this style of dancing of South India well known in different parts of India, as also many parts of the world.

Veenai Dhanammal was a highly accomplished Carnatic musician, and the torchbearer of the school of Carnatic music that goes by her name. She was both a vocalist and a performer on the veena. The prefix “Veenai” in her name is an indicator of her exceptional mastery of that instrument.

Title: Famous musicians of India
Date of Issue: 3 December 2010
Country: India
Denominations: 500p x 3