D.K. Pattammal

The video is a recording of D.K. Pattamal's performance. Damal Krishnaswamy Pattammal (1919-2009) was a renowned Carnatic vocalist. She was born at Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu. Her love for Carnatic music came from her father who was a keen enthusiast. She received no formal training, but by the age of ten she had already given her first radio performance, followed by a public concert three years later. Her knowledge of Muthuswami Dikshitar's compositions was considerable and she became the first woman to perform the difficult Ragam Thanam Pallavi in concerts. She formed one-third of the 'Female trinity of Carnatic Music' along with M.S. Subbulakshmi and M.L. Vasanthakumari. These pioneering women opened doors for the initiation of women into Carnatic music.