Mayavaram V. R. Govindaraja Pillai

Mayavaram V. R. Govindaraja Pillai

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Category: Music

Mayavaram V. R. Govindaraja Pillai Profile

  • Name:
  • Mayavaram V. R. Govindaraja Pillai
  • Born:
  • May 12, 1912
  • Died:
  • February 11, 1979

Mayavaram V. R. Govindaraja Pillai Biography

Mayavaram V. R. Govindaraja Pillai was a Carnatic violinist from Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu. He has been the disciple of accomplished violinist Kumbakonam Rajamanickam Pillai. Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Manram honoured him with Kalaimamani in 1969. He was awarded with Isai Perarignar in 1976 by Tamil Isai Sangam, Chennai. He passed away in 1979 after prolonged illness.

 

He was born in Vazhuvur village of Nagapattinam district. He lost both his parents at a younger age. He was later brought up by his maternal uncle Veerasamy Pillai, a popular Nadaswaram exponent. He took initial training in Carnatic music from Simizhi Sundaram Iyer. After the death of his guru Sundaram Iyer, he continued learning under Mayavaram Boothalinga Iyer. Once he got chance to perform before accomplished violinist Kumbakonam Rajamanickam Pillai. Impressed by his talents, Kumbakonam Rajamanickam Pillai accepted him as his disciple. Thus he switched over from Carnatic vocal music to violin instrument. He dedicated his full time in learning this music instrument, till mid night and often took dictions from his uncle as well.

 

Govindaraja Pillai started accompanying his guru while his guru performed live with many leading Carnatic vocalists of his time. These live experiences helped him a lot to groom his career and potential. Once when his guru fell ill, he took over one of his promised concerts and thus began the illustrious career of Mayavaram V. R. Govindaraja Pillai as a musician. That performance was with legendary vocalist Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. Later he accompanied many stalwarts of Carnatic music like M. S. Subbulakshmi, G. N. Balasubramaniam and Alathur Brothers. He also worked as a vidwan at Travancore palace.

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Updated: July 25, 2014

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