Home > Entertainment > Music in India > Kshetrajna, Telugu Poet and Composer
Kshetrajna, Telugu Poet and Composer
Kshetrajna (1600 - 1680) was a creative Telugu poet and composer of Carnatic music. He composed several padams and keertanas.

Share this Article:

Kshetrajna, Indian Music ComposerKshetrajana is known to have composed more than 4000 compositions. He composed songs on his beloved deity Lord Krishna in Telugu. He was born in Movva village in Andhra Pradesh. Initially his parents named him Varadayya. As he loved travelling singing songs at various temples, he was known by the name Kshetragna or Kshetrayya (one who travels). His life has been depicted in the novel "Bliss Of Life" by Prof M. V Rama Sarma, Professor of English & former Vice chancellor, S.V University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. It has been translated into Telugu with the title "Kshetrayya".

He idealized the padam format that is being used today. They are sung in dance (Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi) and music recitals. The anupallavi is sung first then then the pallavi is sung or second verse followed by the first verse. A common theme of most of the padams is the longing for the coming of the lord Krishna.

He wrote with Sringara as a main topic in expressing devotion to the supreme. Sringara is a pattern where the ordinary sexual relationship between a woman and a man is used as a metaphor thereby indicating the yearning of jeeva to unite with the divine. He has used "Muvva Gopala" as his signature in most of his compositions. This is also a name for the Lord Krishna in Kshetrayya`s village Muvva now known as Movva.

His work has played a major role in influencing poetry, dance and music of the South Indian tradition. He was connected with the devadasis of the temples of south India who were also the subject of many of his compositions. His compositions form an integral part of the dance and musical traditions of South India, where his songs are considered as musical works or as an accompaniment to dance.

He was the contemporary of Venkatamakhi. He composed in several rare Ragas, which was perfect for the emotions that wanted to express in the particular Padam. His other themes include pangs of separation, jealousy, betrayal through the Nayaka-Nayaki approach of Jayadeva.

Some of his popular compositions are Ramarama (Bhairavi), Gaddari (Kalyani), Yemandu namma (Kedaragowla), Kontegadu (Surati) and so on.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Music in India


Manjira - Musical Instrument
Manjira, also known as tala, manjeera, jalra, kartal, or khartal, is a traditional Indian percussion instrument. It consists of a pair of small hand. Manjira is widely used in religious ceremonies, folk music, and classical performances, showcasing its versatility and cultural significance.
Bhavageete
Bhavageete is a form of expressionist poetry in light music. It is a significant genre of folk music that unfolds the realities of life in an eloquent manner.
Kriti Carnatic Music
Kriti refers to one of the most widely used genres of Carnatic music. It originated from the kirtanas of the bhaktas, i.e., musicians who expressed their religious devotion through songs.
Music of Uttarakhand
Music of Uttarakhand has its roots in nature. The folk music of Uttarakhand is based on traditions, festivals and folk legends.
Music of Arunachal Pradesh
Music of Arunachal Pradesh reflects the socio cultural life of the people of that state. Music forms an integral part of the festivities of Arunachal Pradesh.
Rajasthani Musical Instruments
Rajasthani musical instruments are widely used as accompaniments as well as individually for entertainment.
Music of Tamil Nadu
Music of Tamil Nadu has an eminent charisma that reflects the pristine essence of the ancient art and culture of the region.
Thumri
Thumri belongs to the light classical genre of North Indian Classical Music that originated in the 15th century. It is known for its emotive melodies, poetic lyrics, and expressive renditions. Primarily sung by female vocalists, Thumri has evolved into a cherished form of music, captivating audiences with its melodic compositions.
Music of Kerala
With its origin in the primitive dances and plays, the music of Kerala has evolved to a high aesthetic sensitiveness and great technical sophistication since ancient times.
Ektara String Instrument
Ektara is a one-string instrument which is most often used in folk music in India. The Ektara was a regular string instrument of wandering bards and minstrels from India and is plucked with one finger.
Indian Musical Instruments
Indian musical instruments can be broadly classified into four categories like stringed, wind, Ghana Vadya and percussion.
Indian Folk Music
Indian Folk Music is full of rustic charm. The appeal of Indian folk music lies in the simplicity of its style and lyrics. Most of the folk songs are accompanied by dances.
Musical Instruments of Assam
Musical Instruments of the Assam are numerous which brings out the richness of the folk culture of the state.
Haryanvi Music
Haryanvi music is the folk music of the state of Haryana and is sung in western Uttar Pradesh along with the neighbouring districts of Rajasthan and Punjab.
Folk Music of West Bengal
Folk Music of West Bengal is practiced in different parts of West Bengal which is the semi-classical devotional genre of Kirtan.
Indian Classical Music
Indian Classical music originated in the Vedas and later branched into two streams of Carnatic and Hindustani music.
Musical Instruments of Ancient India
Musical Instruments of Ancient India, since time immemorial have contributed in making the Indian music more enchanting. A number of instruments have developed over time, which still finds a significant place in the music of modern era.
Carnatic Music
Carnatic music, also known as `Karnataka Sangitam`, is one of the two styles of Indian classical music.
Dotara - Muscial Instrument
The Dotara is a traditional musical instrument originating from Eastern India. This plucked-string instrument holds cultural significance in the region, producing melodious tunes that have been cherished for generations.
Tumbi Muscial Instrument
Tumbi is a type of string instrument that is mostly used in north Indian folk music. It features a high-pitched sound produced by a single metallic string. Popularized by Punjabi singers, the Tumbi has also made its mark in Western music also.
Xylophone Musical Instrument
Xylophone is a musical instrument consisting of several wooden bars which are struck with mallets; it belongs to the family of percussion instruments.