Breaking Musical Boundaries: Sumana Chandrashekar and Her Ghatam Journey

In a quiet hospital ward in Bengaluru during the height of the Covid pandemic, Sumana Chandrashekar found herself fighting against the odds to survive. With the world around her grappling with despair, her own battle was deeply personal. Despite the fear and isolation, the thought of losing her cherished ghatam—a traditional percussion instrument—became a source of extraordinary strength. As doctors inserted an IV needle into her left wrist, all she could think was, “Please be careful with my thom.” Tragically, the needle did damage her ability to play. But after nearly a year of silence, she returned to the stage and brought the ghatam back to life.

Sumana’s memoir, My Journey with Ghatam, is an emotionally charged account that captivates readers whether they are music enthusiasts or not. It eloquently blends themes of resilience, artistry, and the physicality of music. The book transcends conventional narratives about music, delving into how the body interacts with it. She reflects on her personal experiences while emphasizing the remarkable connection between her body and the music she produces. “Even when I was learning from my guru, I wondered how my body was adapting,” she shares, showing just how critical the physical aspect of music truly is.

What makes My Journey with Ghatam special is that it is more than just a memoir; it’s an exploration of the dynamics of Indian music. Sumana shares her insights on how everyday people react to her ghatam. “People want to touch it, play it, hear it,” she joyfully notes. Unlike classical instruments that evoke distant reverence, the ghatam connects to the common person—reminding them of home, just like the everyday pots and pans they see around them.

Historically, the ghatam has faced its share of challenges in Indian classical music. It made its formal debut in the 19th century but was often sidelined due to its folk roots and more humorous uses in performances. Today, it is usually classified as a secondary percussion instrument, taking a backseat to more ‘serious’ instruments like the mridangam.

Sumana’s journey as a ghatam player began under the mentorship of Sukanya Ramgopal, a pioneer who broke barriers in the male-dominated field of percussion. It’s inspiring to see how Sumana stands out as a woman in a realm where gender biases persist. Dressed in her kurta-pajama and turban, she challenges traditional expectations head-on. When she played, she often faced reactionary comments for deviating from the conventional Carnatic attire.

Chandrashekar describes a cultural hurdle—the “ghumki,” the deep sound the ghatam makes—requires a bare belly for controlled resonance. Sadly, this idea has kept many women away from playing this beautiful instrument. When Sukanya Ramgopal sought to learn under a master like Vikku Vinayakram, she faced rejection purely based on gender.

Even as Sumana stepped onto the stage, she faced similar barriers. “When I entered the scene, I was met with those same walls,” she says, recalling how the traditionalists would criticize her for her unconventional appearance. Yet, she remained unfazed and committed to her creativity. Her childhood experiences, particularly regarding her short hair, had taught her to embrace her uniqueness rather than hide it.

Now, with the ghatam in her lap, she shines bright on the stage. She delights in the endless possibilities it offers, experimenting with fusion, dance, and storytelling. Her connection to the potters from Manamadurai, who craft the ghatams she plays, enriches her music. This labor of love often goes unnoticed, and in her book, she pays homage to the hard work behind each pot.

The making of a ghatam is labor-intensive, and women like K Meenakshi play crucial roles in this process. Each pot takes thousands of strikes for it to achieve the perfect pitch. As Sumana notes, she deeply respects the craftsmanship involved. “The effort that goes into this instrument strengthens my music,” she explains.

In a world that often sidelines women’s contributions in music, Sumana Chandrashekar stands as a beacon of hope, breaking barriers and redefining traditions. Her story is not just about one woman’s journey; it’s about how she lifts up an entire art form.

Through her dedication, passion, and resilience, Sumana Chandrashekar continues to inspire many, proving that every beat of her ghatam is a step toward progress in both music and gender equality.

SumanaChandrashekar #GhatamPlayer #WomenInMusic #CarnaticMusic #BreakingBarriers #MusicalJourney #IndianMusic #Empowerment #ArtAndCulture

Original Text – https://scroll.in/magazine/1086741/ghatam-player-sumana-chandrashekar-is-breaking-boundaries-with-every-beat?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=public