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S.G. Bindu Rao
ಸಂ. ಗೋ. ಬಿಂದೂರಾವ್
The master of Gamaka — the singer of the Kumaravyasa Bharata
Years
1893 – 1970
Known as
S.G. Bindu Rao — the Gamaka artist
Birthplace
Karnataka
Field
Artists & Performers
“The Gamaka is the song of the epic — recite the Bharata so that the heart of the listener trembles.”
— The spirit of S.G. Bindu Rao
The Story
Born in 1893, Bindu Rao mastered the art of the Gamaka — the musical recitation of the great Kannada classics, in which the singer interprets the poetry with melody and rhythm. His art was the inheritance of the Karnataka tradition, and he became one of its greatest exponents.
His recitation of the Kumaravyasa Bharata, the great Kannada Mahabharata, was the wonder of the age — he sang the epic so sweetly and so movingly that the whole of the Kannada land came to hear him. His performances kept the ancient art alive at a time when it was fading, and he trained many disciples to carry it forward.
He died in 1970, honoured as one of the greatest Gamaka artists of the age. His art is remembered as the living voice of the Kannada epic, and his name is honoured wherever the Gamaka is sung.
Core Ideas
The Gamaka
The ancient art of singing the Kannada classics.
The Kumaravyasa Bharata
His famous recitation of the Kannada Mahabharata.
The Sweet Voice
His singing moved the hearts of the land.
The Preserver
He kept the ancient art alive.
The Teacher
He trained a generation of Gamaka artists.
Why it matters today
S.G. Bindu Rao is honoured as one of the greatest masters of the Gamaka — the artist whose recitation of the Kumaravyasa Bharata was the wonder of the age and whose teaching kept the ancient art alive. His name is remembered wherever the Gamaka is sung, as the living voice of the Kannada epic.