Thanjavur Quartet

Thanjavur Quartet were four brothers, Chinnayya, Ponnayya (1804-1864)[1], Sivanandam and Vadivelu, who lived during the early 19th century and contributed to the development of Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music.

The eldest of all the four brothers, Chinnayya moved to the Royal Court of Mysore during the rule of Krishnaraja Wadiyar III and composed many songs in praise of him.

While his famous Thillana in Kapi Raga and Adi Tala is in praise of the Mysore King Sri Chamarajendra Wadiyar X and is one the most popular compositions.

Ponnaiah Pillai, the second eldest of the four brothers, should not be confused with his namesake descendent who was also an accomplished composer musician and was conferred Sangeet Kalanidhi award in 1933.

At the encouragement of the King they learnt the nuances of Carnatic music from a number of exponents of their time, including Muthuswami Dikshitar.