Song in the construction of tamil South Indian history and identity

Musical examples

1- Maraintu Iruntu - What is the Secret?

Song 1. Maraintu Iruntu – ‘What is the Secret?’
Music by K.V. Mahadevan
Raga: Shanmukhapriya
Tala: Adi
Lyrics by Kannadasan
In film ‘Thillana Mohanambal,’ 1968.
Sung by P. Susheela (playback singer)

https://youtu.be/WTPXyMH3m9I

2- Inimel Avarkkum - From Now On

Song 2. ‘Inimel Avarkkum’ – ‘From Now On’
Composer: Kavikunjara Bharati (1810-1896)
Raga: Bhairavi
Tala: Misra Capu.
Sung by M.S. Kamala Devi, 1940s.

3- Kaiyil Panam Illamal - Without Money in Hand

Song 3. ‘Kaiyil Panam Illamal’ - ‘Without money in hand’
Composer: Vaidisvarankoil Subbarama Ayyar (ca. 1829-1870)
Raga: Todi
Tala: Adi.
Sung by Karumbu Iyengar, before 1939

Note: Iyengar begins with alapana; performs svara kalpana after first phrase of anupallavi; & does another brief alapana before caranam

4- Ella Arumaigalum - My all-knowing all-seeing Lord

Song 4. ‘Ella Arumaigalum’ - ‘My all-knowing Lord’
Composer: Ghanam Krishna Ayyar (ca. 1790-1854)
Raga: Todi
Tala: Adi.
Sung by M.S. Subbulakshmi, late 1930s

5- Pazham Ni Appa - You are the Fruit

Song 5. ‘Pazham Ni Appa’ - ‘You are the fruit’
(song begins at 2:20 of clip)
Music composed by K.V. Mahadevan
Lyrics composed by Kannadasan
In film Thiruvilaiyadal, 1965
Sung by K.B. Sundarambal

https://youtu.be/KDNSM0RyUa8

6- Nadamadi Tirinda - You Used to Get About Quite Well

Song 6. ‘Nadamadi Tirinda’ – ‘You Used to Get Around’
Composer: Papavinasa Mudaliar (first half 18th c.)
Raga: Kambhoji
Tala: Khanda Capu.
Sung by M.A. Sabapati Iyer, 1930s

7- Ethukkittanai Modi Tan - Why This Love Quarrel?

Song 7. ‘Ethukkittanai Modi Tan’ – ‘Why this love quarrel?’
Composer: Marimutta Pillai (ca. 1712-1787)
Raga: Surati
Tala: Rupaka (or Adi tala tisra gati)
Sung by U.R. Jeevaratnam, 1940s

8- En Palli Kondir - Why are You Stretched Out on the Ground?

Song 8. ‘En Palli Kondir? – ‘Why are you stretched out on the ground?’
Composer: Arunacala Kavirayar (ca. 1711-1778)
Raga: Mohana
Tala: Adi
Sung by T. Raghava Iyengar, before 1939

9- Jagajjanani - Mother of the Universe

Song 9. ‘Jagajjanani’ - ‘Mother of the Universe’
Composer: Ghanam Krishna Ayyar (ca. 1790-1854)
Raga: Ratipatipriya
Tala: Adi
Sung by M.M. Dandapani Desikar, 1940s

10- Taye Yasoda - Oh Mother Yasoda

Song 10. ‘Taye Yasoda’ – ‘Oh Mother Yasoda’
Composer: Uttukkadu Venkatasubba Ayyar (ca. 1700-1765)
Raga: Todi
Tala: Adi
Sung by Madurai Mani Ayyar, ca 1950

11- Vazhi Maraittu - My View is Obstructed

Song 11. ‘Vazhi Maraittu’ – ‘My View is Obstructed’
Composer: Gopalakrishna Bharati (1810-1896)
Raga: Todi
Tala: Adi
In film ‘Nandanar,’1942
Sung by M.M. Dandapani Desikar

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SUMMARY
1. Maraintu Iruntu - What is the Secret?
2. Inimel Avarkkum - From Now On
3. Kaiyil Panam Illamal - Without Money in Hand
4. Ella Arumaigalum - My all-knowing all-seeing Lord
5. Pazham Ni Appa - You are the Fruit
6. Nadamadi Tirinda - You Used to Get About Quite Well
7. Ethukkittanai Modi Tan - Why This Love Quarrel?
8. En Palli Kondir - Why are You Stretched Out on the Ground?
9. Jagajjanani - Mother of the Universe
10. Taye Yasoda - Oh Mother Yasoda
11. Vazhi Maraittu - My View is Obstructed
Musical examples
Sources

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By Matthew Allen

© Médiathèque Caraïbe / Conseil Départemental de la Guadeloupe,  2016-2020