This story is from July 27, 2014

The man who rediscovered the music of chenda

When Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar questioned some of the notions about thayambaka and talked about his own observations at least a few raised their eyebrows.
The man who rediscovered the music of chenda
KANNUR: When Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar questioned some of the notions about thayambaka and talked about his own observations at least a few raised their eyebrows. But today the master of the 'chenda' is known for innovations that literally gave the wooden drum a global recognition.
"Till 15 years back what they used to tell is that there are only two styles in thayambaka, the Palakkad style and the Malamakavu style, but much before that I used to argue there is another style too, the Pallavoor style, that was typical of the style of Pallavoor Appumarar," said Mattannoor Sankarankutty Marar, whose shashtipoorthi (60 thbirthday) celebration begins on Sunday at his native place Mattannur.

"But today the world has agreed to what I said and also recognised the fourth style introduced by me, which I innovated on the basis of the three styles traditionally used in thayambaka, which is a great achievement for any artist," he said, after reaching Mattannur after a long gap.
Though he began practicing chenda as a tradition because he was born in a Marar family, Sankarankutty was lucky to be associated with many great masters thus helping him evolve a style of his own over the years, remembers Mattannoor Sankarankutty Marar, who is now settled in Vellinezhi.
"Though my birthday falls on August 22, both according to English and Malayalam calendars this time, people and admirers wanted the celebrations to begin from here and culminate in Vellinezhi, and hence they planned the celebrations this way, which is a recognition for my experiments in thayambaka," he said.
The master of chenda, who not only redefined the styles, but also discovered the soothing sound of the instrument thus establishing his unique identity as an artist, does not believe that thayambaka is a ritual art.

"It is associated with celebrations and it has nothing to do with temple rituals, so I perform wherever I get an opportunity, be it a public function, a temple festival or a function in a church," he said. "Though I haven't got an opportunity to perform in a mosque, I will happily perform there too if I am given a chance, as art is beyond any religion or faith," he explained his philosophy.
It was with great struggle and some kind of indirect opposition from some corners, because he was from north Malabar, that he established himself as an artist, said Mattannoor Sankarankutty Marar.
"But I am thankful to the world for the recognition, not only to me but also my style," he said.
Though he grew up as a rebel, it was the tradition got from his father Kunhikrishna Marar that gave him the strength to innovate and experiment, remembers the doyen of the wooden drum, who still believes learning is an unending exercise.
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About the Author
P Sudhakaran

Sudhakaran is Special Correspondent with The Times of India in Kannur. He was with The New Indian Express and Cyber Media in Bangalore. He has been in the field of journalism for the past 14 years.

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