Chennai-based Kosai Nagaran Tholisai Karuviagam, which has a collection of over 80 instruments, aims to bring traditional Tamil instruments back into the limelight.
Chennai-based Kosai Nagaran Tholisai Karuviagam, which has a collection of over 80 instruments, aims to bring traditional Tamil instruments back into the limelight.
One of the most vibrant areas of Chennai, Koyambedu is known for two places: the vegetable market and the bus terminus.
The noise of buses and autorickshaws is being heard on this main road connecting Chennai with other major cities. Everyone in Koyambedu is in a hurry to reach somewhere. This is the reason why the music emanating from Kosai Nagaran Tholisai Karuviagam attracts attention.
Tucked away in a street with several transport and courier shops, Kosai Nagaran Tholisai Karuviagam has been supporting the cause of traditional Tamil musical instruments since 2010.
Thakkai, Kudamuzha and Kokkarai have the distinction of being here. “Our aim is to spread awareness about these wonderful Tamil musical instruments that have been around for many centuries,” says Sivatiru S Sivakumar, the person behind the centre.
Kosai Nagara Tholisai Karuviagam does not have glass vitrines. Here, you can try your hand at patting a pambai or blowing into a kombu. “When you touch and play, you can feel the depth of the instrument.” with film director Mani Ratnam’s condition ponniyin selvan This center, which has sparked interest in Chola and Tamil culture, is currently home to over 80 traditional instruments, making headlines.
music for the soul
The seeds of Kosai Nagaran Tholisai Karuviagam began in 2010 when Shivakumar, working in a production unit of a major car maker, visited the Tyagaraja Swamy temple in Tiruvarur. “I remember that day clearly,” he says, wide-eyed, “somewhere an instrument was being played, and I started dancing. I never got involved with music until that day, and I didn’t know that. What inspired me to do this. When I reflected on it, I realized that the music of that instrument shook me.”
Kosai Nagaran promotes traditional musical instruments. photo credit: Johan Satyadas
He is referring to the Udal, a percussion instrument played in Thanjavur and Karur, where he later went to learn more about music. One thing led to another, and Shivakumar was soon performing that instrument at events with a few others. “When we started, many people were not even aware of these tools. We procured some rare instruments from musicians’ homes in Chennai, and then went to Sankarankoil, Namakkal and Salem, to inquire about the instruments there. Wherever there was music, we went there. If we weren’t able to get a device for our collection, we would have taken pictures or measured and tried to build it, because we had the technology and the manpower.
Today, he runs a 50-member troupe, consisting of IT professionals, tailors and school staff, all tied to his common interest in music.
The core group performs at social events, temple festivals and weddings; His most recent outing took place last week at a Mariamman temple festival in Bangkok. “We have performed in 100 weddings so far,” says Shivakumar, “During these occasions, we also have a stall where we display information about instruments and music. The response has been excellent, with many people becoming aware of our music-rich roots. ,
Graphic: Albert Francis Xu
Along with some trained musicians, he also takes classes for people interested in specific instruments. “Anybody can learn. All you need is a willingness to learn,” says Sivakumar, who trains every Sunday morning at the Dunlop Ground in Ambattur. They are also training many others to adopt these instruments which the world has largely forgotten. Five years from now you will see them playing in all the villages of Tamil Nadu.
This traditional instrument museum is located at 1025, Poonamallee High Road, (Near Chennai Gateway Hotel), Koyambedu, Chennai.