Nagercoil S. Ganesa Iyer Biography 
Nagercoil S. Ganesa Iyer was a famous carnatic musician and exponent from Nagercoil of present-day Kanya Kumari district, Tamil Nadu. He was an expert of Mridangam, and a vocalist too. He lived during the period, 1905-1978. He inherited music from his forefathers. He has trained many students in vocal and mridangam. He started with music concerts in temple festivals, and marriage functions in and around Nagercoil, and later his fame rose beyond the boundaries of his hometown. He was a leading Mridangam artist in the 1930s, and accompanied many doyens associated with Carnatic music who lived during the same time. His brother Nagercoil Harihara Iyer was also a leading Carnatic singer and violinist.
Nagercoil S. Ganesa Iyer was born in Nagercoil of Tamil Nadu in 1905. He belonged to a musical family, with many artists linked to Harikatha, Carnatic vocal and harmonium. He inherited music from his parents. His father was a Sanskrit professor in Annamalai University. His mother was associated with Travancore music family. He learnt music from his father Sthanu Bagavathar and elder brother Padmanabha Iyer. He was popularly called as NSG in music circle.
He rose to fame as an Mridangam artist in the 1930s. Since a toddler his musical talent has been well recognized by others including Travancore Maharaja. He also got opportunity to learn from different musicians. He was regular in Thengai mudi kutcheries, which accumulated money for charity purposes through performing in marriages and temple festivals.
Sthanu Bagavathar, along with his sons - Nagercoil Harihara Iyer and Nagercoil S. Ganesa Iyer are well known for promoting Tamil krithis of Lakshmana Pillai. He also encouraged many youngsters to take music as profession and gave them training as well. Ganesa Iyer used to get prizes from Maharajas of Travancore and other members of royal family for his performance in music concerts and festivals.
Published: September 08, 2018
Updated: September 08, 2018
