Tanjavur K. P. Kittappa
Bharatanatyam Performer
81+
Years of Experience
1+
Students Taught
1
Followers
About
Tanjavur K. P. Kittappa Pillai (born May 5, 1913 – died 1999) was a revered doyen of Bharatanatyam gurus, belonging to the illustrious lineage of the Thanjavur Quartet, who are credited with codifying the Bharatanatyam format. He was the fifth-generation descendant of Sivanandam, one of the Thanjavur Quartet, and the grandson of the legendary Pandanallur…
Journey Timeline
1913
Born — May 5
1945
Cessation of vocal concert career — Stopped giving vocal concerts after the death of his cousin and father, subsequently devoted himself to teaching Bharatanatyam.
1950
Revival of repertoire — Produced first annotated versions of rare Tanjavur repertoire pieces, including Sarabhendra Bhupala Kuravanji and Navasandhi Kavituvams.
1961
Publication — Co-edited 'The Dance Compositions of the Tanjore Quartet'.
1964
Publication — Co-edited 'Adi Bharata Kala Manjari'.
1974
Awarded Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
1981
Awarded Sangita Kala Acharya — By Music Academy, Madras.
1985
Awarded Isai Perarignar — By Tamil Isai Sangam.
1986
Awarded Kala Tilakam — By Karnataka State Award.
1993
Publication — Published 'Bharata Isaiyum Tanjai nalvarum'.
1998
Elected Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellow
1999
Died
1999
Awarded Kalidas Samman — By Government of Madhya Pradesh.
1999
Publication — Co-edited 'Tanjai Nalvarin Nartiya Icai'.
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Signature Performances
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Awards & Honors
- 1974 · Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Sangeet Natak Akademi
- 1981 · Sangita Kala Acharya — Music Academy, Madras
- 1985 · Isai Perarignar — Tamil Isai Sangam
- 1986 · Kala Tilakam — Karnataka State Award
- 1999 · Kalidas Samman — Government of Madhya Pradesh
- 1998 · Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Ratna Sadasya) — Sangeet Natak Akademi
Media Coverage
- Owning a legacy
The Hindu
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Students
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