Tiruvottiyur Tyagier’s House
69, Ramaswami Street, George Town |
Among the many disciples of Tyagaraja was ‘Veena’ Kuppayyar (1788-1850), who settled in Madras. Kuppayyar was a talented composer and created several immortal songs which bear his mudra, ‘Venugopala’. His house soon became the musical centre of the city, which was well established by then.
Kuppayyar’s youngest son Tyagier (1845-1917) was also a talented musician. He too composed songs. Chitra Pournami and Vinayaka Chaturthi were celebrated in a grand fashion by Tyagier in the house and many concerts were held during such festivals.
Despite being a sick man for most of his life, Tyagier taught many disciples. He also published two books, Pallavi Swarakalpavalli in 1900 and Sangita Ratnavali in 1907. In 1904, the famed Hindustani maestro Vishnu Narain Bhatkhande came to Madras and met Tyagier in the house. He was very impressed with Tyagier’s simplicity and erudition.
Tyagier’s house is the archetypal town house that Madras was famous for till the 1970s. Those who have been inside the house remember it as having all the standard elements, such as rezhi (hallway), mittam (courtyard) and the straight passage leading from the front door to the rear exit. The house remained in the possession of Tyagier’s family till the 1950s and then became the office for a TUCS branch with the first floor serving as the residence of the manager till the 1970s. It later became a wine shop for a short while. Subsequently, it appears to have been abandoned. Each year a window or two and parts of the roof vanish. Somewhat like our heritage. (Courtesy: KalamKriya.)
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