Continuing our Series on Andhra Personalities is yet another illustrious musical artiste who made his name with the mrdangam. The next installment is on one more Vizianagaram native: Vankayala Narasimham.
Background
Narasimham gaaru was born to Vankayala Venkata Lakshmi and Lakshmana Swamy at Vizianagaram, in 1931. [1] He earned a B.Sc. there itself at M.R. College and later a B.Ed at Andhra University. He was a 22 year teaching veteran at the local Municipal High School before joining All India Radio. He studied mrdangam under Mullapudi Lakshmana Rao and became an acknowledged vaadhyakara.
His dazzling percussion style wowed audiences throughout the country. It is for this reason he was dubbed “Mridanga Kala Tapasvi“. [2] “He conceived “rapidex” method of learning mridangam and brought out a text book on it.” [1] This stalwart of AIR would grace the stages of many a kutapa (ensemble).
He passed away in 2016 leaving behind a wondrous legacy and a litany of accomplishments. Vankayala Narasimham gaaru is survived by his wife Sitaratnam and his two sons. One of the sons, Vankayala Ramana Murthy is an accomplished mrdangam player in his own right. [1]
“Mr. Narasimham was working as Principal of the Bharata Kala Vihar Sangeeta Pathasala at Gudilova here after retiring from AIR in 1991 and till he breathed last and during this period he had introduced mridangam and south Indian classical music to students from eastern and north eastern parts of the country. “[1]
Achievements
- Received Hamsa Award from A.P. State Government
- Given titles of Nadasudhanidhi, Mrdanga Praveena, Tapasira, & Visarada
- Andhra Music Academy’s Sadguru Sivananda Murthy entitled him Sangeeta Vidyanidhi
- Most notably, developed rapidex method of mrdangam instruction & published text on it
National awards are all too rare for many a deserving Andhra artiste. Perhaps most famously was the deprivation of Nedunuri Krishnamurthy gaaru of even a measly Padma Sri, despite his himalayan attainments. Vankayala Narasimham gaaru is yet another personage who did not receive his due at the politcally-motivated national level.
Fortunately, the Andhra state government and various state-level institutions lavished him with praise and titles. He was highly recognised and feted by the eminent artistes of his era.
“During his seven decades of music life, Mr. Narasimham accompanied reputed artistes like Dwaram Venkataswami Naidu, D.K. Pattammal, Emani Sankara Sastri, Nedunuri Krishnamurthy and others. ” [1]
Legacy
The legacy of Narasimham gaaru cannot be gainsaid. This master of mrdangam was called ‘mastaaru’ by many a mardangika.
“He has trained many youngsters as mridanga vidwans, like his son Venkata Ramana and Patri Satish Kumar. Several of his disciples are with the AIR as A grade artistes.” [1]
His performances dazzled audiences for decades. His virtuoso skill led to the development of his own unique technique. But he made his most significant mark by authoring a textbook. It is not enough for subject-matter experts to learn, they should also hone their ability to lecture and train the next generation so the torch may be carried on. Vizianagaram’s Vankayala Narasimham did just that.
“With over 7 decades of unparalleled work in Indian Classical music, percussion, devotional music, literary works, musical compositions, numerous forgotten songs set to tune, Sri Narasimham Garu as he was popularly known is a true “Maha Mahopadhyaya” (Teacher of teachers).” [2]
“A life-long devotee of Sri Rama, he accomplished his goal of effortless end through strict spiritual practice and nada Yoga. He merged with his beloved Sri Rama with Sri Rama’s name on his lips and his song in his heart.” [2]
References:
- “Mridangam artiste Vankayala Narasimham passes away”. The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/Mridangam-artiste-Vankayala-Narasimham-passes-away/article16794610.ece
- Sangeetamaruti Arts Academy. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/sangeetamarutiarts/photos/mridanga-kala-tapasvi-sri-vankayala-narasimham-1931-2016nada-yogi-an-exemplary-l/1051340501660267/
