Ghatam Maestro Finds Rhythm of Success

Swift Summary

• Sukanya Ramgopal is the first woman to professionally play the ghatam in Carnatic music, entering the male-dominated percussion scene over five decades ago.
• Despite initial resistance, including hesitancy from her guru Vikku Vinayakram and later direct hostility from peers, she succeeded through determination and innovation.
• She introduced ‘Ghata Tharang’ in 1993, where she played multiple ghatams tuned to different pitches-a unique concept that elevated the instrumentS status on stage.
• In 1994, she founded Stree Taal Tarang, India’s first all-women percussion ensemble that challenged gender barriers in customary music spaces.
• Sukanya emphasizes breaking down all forms of discrimination in art while encouraging aspiring women artists to create their own opportunities.

Image Source: K.K. NAJEEB

Indian Opinion Analysis

Sukanya Ramgopal’s journey as a trailblazer highlights crucial discussions about gender equity within India’s cultural heritage. Her innovations with ‘Ghata Tharang’ and Stree Taal Tarang not only redefined how the ghatam is perceived but also established female representation in what has long been regarded as a male domain.This success story underscores both progress and lingering challenges for women pushing into traditional spaces. While her efforts inspire aspiring musicians and diversify India’s artistic traditions, her observation about persistent underrepresentation reveals deeper structural gaps within such fields. Encouraging inclusivity across genders could enrich India’s historical art forms even further, spotlighting talent without bias.

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