Tamil Instrumental Music with a Christian Twist

Looking for some Tamil Instrumental Music with a Christian Twist? Look no further than this blog! Here we feature a variety of Tamil Instrumental Music that has been given a Christian Twist, perfect for any occasion!

Introduction

Welcome to Tamil Instrumental Music with a Christian Twist. This type of music is a unique blend of traditional Tamil music with a Christian message. The music is usually played on traditional Tamil instruments such as the veena, flute, violin, and Mridangam. The lyrics are mostly in Tamil, but may also include English and other languages.

This type of music is popular among Christians in Tamil Nadu, India, as well as among Tamil Christians living in other parts of the world. It is often used for worship, praise, and prayer. It can also be enjoyed simply for its beauty and uniqueness.

History of Tamil Instrumental Music

Instrumental music in Tamil Nadu has a long and storied history. The music of the Tamil people is one of the oldest and most beautiful forms of music in the world. It is said that the Tamil people have been playing music for over two thousand years. The music of the Tamil people is a rich and varied form of music that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Ancient Times

Tamil instrumental music can be traced back to the time of the Tamil Sangams, which were period of musical prosperity in ancient Tamil Nadu. It is believed that the first Tamil musical instrument, the “veena”, was created during this time. The veena was a stringed instrument that was played with a bow. Tamil music was also popularised by the “Nayanars”, who were a group of Shaiva saints who lived between the 6th and 9th centuries. The Nayanars sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva, and their music was characterised by its devotional nature.

During the 16th century, Tamil music experienced a golden age under the rule of the Vijayanagar Empire. The Vijayanagar rulers were great patrons of the arts, and they encouraged musicians from all over India to come and perform in their court. This led to a dramatic increase in the popularity of Tamil music, both among the royal family and the general public.

One of the most famous Vijayanagar rulers was Krishnadevaraya, who ruled from 1509 to 1529. Krishnadevaraya was himself a great poet and musician, and he wrote many works in both Tamil and Sanskrit. He is also credited with commissioning several important musical works, including the “Carnatica Sangita Ratnakara”.

In more recent times, Tamil instrumental music has been given a Christian twist by artists such as Joshua Sridhar and John Jebaraj. This new style of Tamil Christian music has become very popular among young people, and it is frequently played at church services and other religious events.

Medieval Times

The development of Tamil instrumental music can be traced back to the medieval period. At that time, there was a flourishing court culture in the Tamil-speaking region, which resulted in the patronage of many musicians. One of the most famous musicians of this period was Arunagirinathar, who was a court musician in the Vijayanagara empire. He composed many songs and ragas for the king and his courtiers. His most famous work is the Thiruppugazh, which is a collection of devotional songs dedicated to Lord Murugan.

Another important figure from this period is Purandaradasa, who is known as the father of Carnatic music. He composed many songs and ragas for the purpose of teaching music to beginners. He also wrote a treatise on music theory called the Sangeeta Sudha.

Modern Times

The Dawn of Christian Instrumental Music in Tamil

The history of instrumental music in Tamil Nadu is relatively unknown. However, there are a few recordings that date back to the early 1900s. These recordings were made by Christian missionaries who were stationed in Tamil Nadu at the time.

One of the earliest recordings is of a song called “Thiruppavai”, which was recorded by E.M.S. Namboodiripad in 1909. The song is a traditional Tamil devotional song that was sung during the Hindu festival of Margazhi.

Another early recording is of a song called “Ayyappan”, which was recorded by C.L.F. Garland in 1916. The song is about the Hindu deity Ayyappan, who is popular in Tamil Nadu.

Instrumental music began to gain popularity in Tamil Nadu in the mid-20th century. One of the first instrumental bands was formed by M. Sivasubramaniam in 1955. The band, which was called the “Tamil Nadu State Symphony Orchestra”, became quite popular and gave many performances across Tamil Nadu.

In the late 20th century, a new style of instrumental music began to develop in Tamil Nadu. This style, which is known as “carnatic fusion”, combines traditional carnatic music with elements of jazz, rock, and other genres.

Christian Influence on Tamil Instrumental Music

The Tamil Christian community has always had a strong presence in the southern part of India. Consequently, their music has been greatly influenced by the Tamil culture. Over the years, however, there has been a growing trend of incorporating Christian elements into Tamil instrumental music. This has resulted in a unique genre of music that is enjoyed by both Christians and non-Christians alike.

How Christianity Was Brought to India

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to reach India by sea. Vasco da Gama arrived in 1498, and the Portuguese established trading posts along the coast. In 1510, Afonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa, and it became the headquarters of Portuguese India. The Portuguese tried to convert Indians to Christianity but met with little success.

The Dutch established trading posts in India in the early 1600s but did not try to spread Christianity. The British arrived in 1615 and slowly began to expand theircontrol over India. By 1800, they ruled most of the country. The British did not make a concerted effort to spread Christianity but did allow missionaries to operate freely. As a result, a small number of Indians converted to Christianity.

The Impact of Christianity on Tamil Music

When Tamil people converted to Christianity, they brought with them their musical traditions. However, these traditions were often influenced by Christian teaching and worship. For example, many Tamil Christians sing hymns in both Tamil and English. In addition, they often use traditional Tamil instruments in their music, such as the veena, flute, and mridangam.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Christian instrumental music with a Tamil twist is a unique and beautiful genre that is definitely worth exploring. If you are a fan of Tamil music or instrumentals, then this might be the perfect style for you. Give it a listen and see for yourself!