As a military ace, he marches to a beat that is refreshingly unique.

Brigadier Srinivasan Nambirajan - with an awe-boosting record of 37 years behind him - has successfully made forays into a territory that the military had hardly trained him for. Music.  

Exploring the richness of Gandharva music, Brigadier Nambirajan has unveiled findings that are intriguing, yet find relevance in today’s world. Unfurled with finesse in ‘The Mystic Citadel of 22 Srutis Music,’ the book is being hailed as a delight for Carnatic music-lovers and musicologists, dispelling myths and serving up truths that just fall short of shocking. 

His musical lineage, however, is stunningly intimidating. Brigadier Nambirajan hails from the family of Swami Thyagaraja - legendary composer and Carnatic music maestro. His great grandfather Sri.Thillaisthanam Rama Iyengar was the eldest disciple of Saint Thyagaraja. 

Unsurprisingly, coming from Brigadier Nambirajan, ‘The Mystic Citadel of 22 Srutis Music,’ was almost a foregone conclusion. 

Bharata and Datilla munis - the two foundational sages of Indian performing arts and musicology - mentioned in their texts that Gandharva music was founded on a 22-srutis calibrated octave, wherein 22 shuddhaswaras resided. 

“However, they were unable to pinpoint beyond the 7 shuddhaswaras that were contained in the Samaveda, the Veda dealing with melodies,” says the musicologist. “Where were the remaining 15 shuddhaswaras? As I focussed on this aspect in my research and corrected probable errors, much to my surprise, the 22 swaras of Gandharva music unfolded on their own. But Gandharva music is still in its infancy. Musicologists have to explore it and actively take it forward.”  

Underscoring its significance in today’s times, Brigadier Nambirajan says, “Firstly, Gandharva music is not for entertainment. It cleanses our soul-mind-body complex and channelises us towards the Divine. Also, Gandharva music should not be viewed as being unique to India only. It is world heritage music and should be adopted globally.”

Drawing comparisons, the veteran says, “Contemporary classical music in India has suffered irreparable damage because it had deviated in a tangential trajectory. It then failed to ensure cleansing of human minds.”

Peace - at holistic levels, however - is the norm in a more sensible calling. “Resurrection of Gandharva music would help heal the physical and mental ailments of people, in addition to improving their proximity with the divine,” he says “Ancient sages of India believed that Gandharva music had the power to do so.”

Indian rishis had long mastered the art of healing through sacred music. Tweaking the knowledge to suit modern life, Brigadier Nambirajan highlights the benefits of binaural beats.  

“Medical research has already established that binaural beats produce certain therapeutic effects in our brain,” he states. “When two tones of Gandharva music are played, the difference in their frequencies produces binaural beats which are beneficial in generating peace in our minds. When proper instrumentation is completed and Gandharva music is played over them, the healing power can be harnessed in its totality.”  

In a twist that merely reflects his genius, Brigadier Nambirajan opted for a Western approach, altering it traditionally. He has conceptualised a guitar based on the 22 srutis.   

“I’m now looking for some artisans to fabricate it,” he exults. “Once this effort succeeds, I will play Gandharva melodic phrases over this guitar and check out its effects on our bio-system.”  

Guess, strumming success is just a step away.  

By Ajit Ramachanddran