Thread by @shrikanth_krish

Heard this composition in praise of Shri rAmachandra umpteen times growing up

Used to think it is a Tyagaraja composition

But no. It is a kriti composed by Mysore Vasudevachar, a mAdhva from Mysore (1865-1961)

So likely a 20th cen composition

It is worth noting this because we tend to think of "culture" as something inherited from a hoary past

But "culture" is a constant work in progress. Sure, it has links to the past. But much of the lived tradition around us has been worked upon in our own times

Another popular kriti rendered in the Carnatic style is Rajagopalachari's composition - "Kurai Onrum Illai", published in the Kalki magazine as late as 1967

Now both these 20th century songs are now a part of Carnatic music sub-culture

The question arises - is the culture still "WIP" (work in progress)? Or is it already ossified?

Are there compositions being written today which will be sung in concerts in year 2100?

The importance of "working upon" the so-called culture cannot be over-emphasized

This extends to matters of religion

E.g. In the 16th cen, Tulsidas was not content just reading Valmiki Ramayan. But in retelling the itihAsa in a new language with likely innovations in narrative

The religiosity of India throughout the 2nd millennium was very much an outcome of constant tinkering with the tradition

A period of constant theological innovation. Of new scriptures being authored, which engendered new movements

Today we seem to have lost this spirit of "tinkering"

We think of "culture" as something that has come down from the past. Which it no doubt has

But I dont see much work on it.

Even in early 20th cen there was cultural "innovation"

Bal Gangadhar Tilak managed to popularize a v strong tradition around Ganesh Chaturthi, which is now pan-Indian and a much bigger event on Hindu calendar relative to say 200 years ago

I wonder if anyone is helping engender a new tradition today, which will have a "following" in 100 years time