Kanniks Kannikeswaran Explores The Genius Of Dikshitar In ‘Anubhuti’

India-West Staff Reporter

CINCINNATI, OH  – As the world marks the 250th birth anniversary of Muthuswami Dikshitar (1775–1835), ‘Anubhuti,’ a new book by composer and scholar Dr. Kanniks Kannikeswaran, offers a groundbreaking exploration of this iconic figure.

Published by Garuda Prakasan, ‘Anubhuti’ moves beyond Dikshitar’s portrayal within the Kacheri tradition and the Carnatic trinity, presenting him as a traveler, poet, and civilizational visionary. Drawing inspiration from puranas, Mantra-Shastra, Vedanta, Srividya Tantra, Tevaram traditions, and colonial music, Dikshitar’s compositions merge profound Hindu thought with pan-Indian expression.

Kannikeswaran, a lifelong devotee with decades of experience performing and teaching Dikshitar’s works, brings rare insight. His research, including the acclaimed 2008 recording of Dikshitar’s Indo-Colonial Music and the documentary ‘Colonial Interlude,’ illuminates the composer’s artistic process.

‘Anubhuti’ contextualizes Dikshitar within the early colonial era, maps his travels, showcases his repertoire’s intricacies, and highlights his mystical connections with Kashi and parallels with Adi Shankara’s Shanmata. The book also explores his creative integration of colonial tunes with Advaitic devotion, including transforming the British National Anthem into a stuti for the Devi.

Released during Dikshitar’s 250th birth anniversary, ‘Anubhuti’ celebrates his legacy as a historian, travel chronicler, musician, poet, and civilizational votary.

Kannikeswaran’s collaborations include Bombay Jayashri, Kaushiki Chakraborty, and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, with numerous awards recognizing his contributions to music and scholarship.