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New book ‘Anubhuti’ reframes legacy of Carnatic music legend
The book casts fresh light on Dikshitar’s compositions, travels, and philosophical depth in early colonial India.
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Staff Reporter - Sat, 27, Sep 2025
- 14:08 EDT
- 23
Kannikeswaran with his book ‘Anubhuti’ / Courtesy: Kanniks Kannikeswaran
As India marks the 250th birth anniversary of Muthuswami Dikshitar, one of Carnatic music’s most celebrated composers, a new book is seeking to present a fresh perspective on his life and work.
Anubhuti, authored by music composer, educator, and scholar Kanniks Kannikeswaran, explores the multi-dimensional legacy of Dikshitar, moving beyond the traditional view of him as a prolific composer.
The book, released this month by Garuda Prakashan, positions Dikshitar as not only a musician but also a poet, traveler, historian, and thinker who engaged deeply with India’s cultural and spiritual traditions during the early colonial period.
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Book cover of ‘Anubhuti’ written by Kanniks Kannikeswaran / Courtesy: Kanniks KannikeswaranAnubhuti examines how Dikshitar’s compositions incorporated temple traditions, Advaita Vedanta, and pan-Indian philosophies. It also points to his creative reinterpretation of European musical forms—notably his adaptation of the British national anthem into a hymn to the goddess Devi—as acts of cultural assertion.
The book traces his travels across India, comparing his spiritual and geographic journeys to the dig-vijayas of earlier philosophers like Adi Shankara, while analyzing how his music reflects the six streams of worship (shanmata).
Prominent figures have endorsed the book, with former Tata Consultancy Services CEO S. Ramadorai describing it as a “must-read for musicians, music enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about the intersection of art, history, and philosophy,” and scholar Subhash Kak noting its “unique insights” into the composer’s life.
Kannikeswaran, an internationally recognized musician and academic, draws on decades of research and practice. His earlier works—including a 2008 recording of Dikshitar’s Indo-Colonial music and a documentary film on the same theme—have highlighted the composer’s experimental streak and his ability to weave diverse influences into devotional music.
Scholar Kanniks Kannikeswaran with his award / Courtesy: Kanniks Kannikeswaran
Kannikeswaran, who has collaborated with artists such as Bombay Jayashri and Kaushiki Chakraborty, as well as with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, has been recognized with honors including the Ohio Heritage Fellowship and the IIT Madras Distinguished Alumnus Award.
The release marks the first book dedicated to Dikshitar’s 250th anniversary year, adding to ongoing commemorations of the Carnatic master’s contributions to India’s musical and spiritual heritage.
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