Pallavur Appu Marar Biography 
Pallavur Appu Marar was an Indian musician and percussionist who headed the famous Panchavadyam for Paremekkavu Devaswom from 1960 till his death in 2002. He was associated with some of Kerala’s traditional musical instruments such as thayambaka, edakka, sopana sangeetham, melam and panchavadyam, mostly used as a part of temple traditions during festivals, auspicious occasions and temple rituals. Known to be a Panchavadyam exponent, he has participated in some of the leading temple festivals like Thrissur Pooram, Peruvanam Pooram etc. He was a recipient of Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademi Award, Guruvayurappan Puraskaram, Manaveeyam Award and many more awards.
Pallavur Appu Marar hailed from Pallavur of Palakkad district, present-day Kerala. That’s why ‘Pallavur’ tag got added to his name. He belonged to Marar Hindu community who follows Hindu tradition, and he along with younger siblings (stepbrothers) - Pallavur Manian Marar and Pallavur Kunhikuttan Marar formed the very famous Pallavur trio – a prominent group who performed in the temple festivals with their music instruments in the 20th century. They followed Pallavur style.
Pallavur Appu Marar was born in the year 1928 to Shankaran Marar and Ammini. When he was only one year old his father left them, and later his mother remarried. Pallavur Manian Marar and Pallavur Kunhikuttan Marar were his stepbrothers. Appu Marar started learning musical instruments at a very young age, and he started off with Chenda. He made his first performance at the age of eight. Later he also learnt edeka and timila. Appu Marar saw his father for the first time when he was 17 years old. By that time he turned a percussionist playing different musical instruments at temple festivals nearby.
He holds a record for performing in 47 Thrissur Poorams and 60 Nemmara Velas. He led Paramekavu side in panchavadyam without any break for long 47 years since 1960, and he left behind a legacy followed by his disciples. His son, Kunissery Chandran, is also a known Madalam exponent.
Published: October 02, 2018
Updated: October 02, 2018
