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Composers and Musicians
Purandaradasa (1484-1564)
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He was born at Hampi in Karnataka state. He was born in a very rich family
of jewelers. After the death of his father Purandara looked after the family
business. But later his association with Vyasaraya , a monk who lived in Vijayanagara
changed his view of life. Another version is that he was born at Pantharpur
in Maharashtra and he renounced ordinary life to propogate the glory of Lord
Vittala of Pandarpur.He started wandering to different places singing bhajans
. His life became that of a avadhoot or wandering monk. He developed his talent
for music and became a great poet and composer. He has written keerthanas,
padas,varnams and thillanans. His sons too traveled with him popularizing
the music. Purandaradasa was a good teacher too. He introduced scientific
systems and methods to Carnatic music . Even today for teaching music his
methods are followed in South India. He also introduced keerthana system in
kutcheris or public performances. He is known and respected as the Father
of Carnatic music. He died at Hampi in 1564.
Some of his best known kritis today include-
Jagadodharana( Hidustani kapi)
Den Banda Namma Swami(Sankara Sherana)
Yaro rangana Yaro(Hindolam)
Rama, rama, Sitarama yenniro(Tilang)
Jayamangalam nitya subha mangalam(Dhanyasi)