The next in our line up is the Rs. 5 commemorative stamp of Veenai Dhanammal, which was issued on 03 December 2010.
Dhanammal was born in George Town, Chennai into a family of musicians and dancers in 1867. Her great grandmother, grand mother and her own mother were all accomplished musicians in their own right. She learned Veena and vocal music from renowned teachers.
Padas and Jhavalis were her forte. Her career as a musician spanned almost 60 years. Dhanammal shunned performing before large gatherings as she felt that it only disturbed her. However, she had given concerts in a few places for the public such as her performance in 1916 in the All India Music Conference at Baroda, and recitals at the palaces of Mysore and Vizianagaram.
Dhanammal always preferred to give Veena recitals to selective private audiences. Her music has been praised in superlative terms by those privileged to hear her. Her continuing impact was ascribed to the scope of her repertoire, knowledge and refinement. Her heritage, her pre-eminence, her personality, and her life-style evoked reverence and awe.
There is little of her music which has survived, except some gramophone records available to posterity. She passed away on 15 October 1938.
Credit: http://www.istampgallery.com/veenai-dhanammal/
Also read https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veenai_Dhanammalfor more information on Veenai Dhannamal
Next in our lineup is that of D.K. Pattammal, who is considered as one of the Female trinities of Carnatic Music. See you next time! Till then, stay safe and well!
