About the Book
Karnataka Sangeeta is not merely an entertaining form of art but carries a significant role and responsibility in upholding Indian tradition and culture. The Lakshana-karas and Vaggeyakara-s have contributed significantly to its development from ancient times.
Sri Muttuswamy Dikshitar, one of the great composers of the Karnataka Sangeeta Trinity and an 18th-century composer, created numerous compositions on various deities associated with different kshetras. He followed a distinctive style of composition rooted in the Venkatamakhi raga tradition, in which the Govindacharya paddhati is predominantly followed in present-day usage.
Sangita Sampradaya Pradarshini, authored by Subbarama Dikshitar, serves as an authentic reference tracing this earlier musical tradition. In this book, the Samudaya Kritis, or group compositions, of Muttuswamy Dikshitar are analysed lyrically, philosophically, and musically, with Sangita Sampradaya Pradarshini as the primary reference.
The study is presented as an effort to preserve the historical importance of these compositions and pass this knowledge on to future generations.