THE PAST - INSTRUMENTALISTS
Palghat Mani Iyer
He was a legend even in his lifetime, one of the all-time greats, a genius at innovation. His scintillating performances were an unforgettable treat to the audience. 'Palghat' on a poster or just a 'Mani' was sufficient to attract the crowds in droves. It would be no exaggeration to say that Palghat Mani Iyer raised the status of the mridangam and the mridangist to dizzy heights. An artiste of few words, he would sit on the dais all attention to the vocalist or violinist, a picture of dignity and composure. He had his initial training from Chattapuram Subba Iyer and advanced training under the renowned vidwan, Tanjavur Vaidyanatha Iyer.
