HIDDEN DRUMMERS of INDIA: Part 2 -MUSIC Documentary about the HISTORY of CARNATIC RHYTHM and KANJIRA

HIDDEN DRUMMERS of INDIA is a three part documentary series on KZbin that explores the world of Carnatic music, and in particular India’s most awesome drum, the Kanjira!
During the summers of 2018 and 2019 I spent several weeks traveling through the southern states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu where I met with the most incredible players and immersed myself in the Carnatic tradition.
In part two of Hidden Drummers of India I meet Lalitha Ram who is a historian and author, who shares the origins of the kanjira with me and who is responsible for creating it. I visit the craftsman who made kanjiras for the great Harishankar Sir, and I meet with Lata Ramachar, who is the only female performing kanjira artist in all of India.
Lalitha Ram
carnaticmusicreview.wordpress...
www.thehindu.com/features/met...
Shree Murugandam
Lata Ramachar
www.newindianexpress.com/citi...
I’m Ruairi Glasheen, and I’m a percussionist, composer and filmmaker based in London.
More about me: www.RuairiGlasheen.net/about
Lets connect on Facebook: / ruairiglashe. .
Find me on Instagram: / ruairi_glas. .
Check out my first documentary, Hidden Drummers of Iran:
• HIDDEN DRUMMERS of IRA...
HIDDEN DRUMMERS IS A SERIES OF DOCUMENTARIES THAT GO OFF THE BEATEN TRACK TO EXPLORE AND UNCOVER THE INCREDIBLE WORLD OF RHYTHM! More information at www.HIDDENDRUMMERS.com
Hidden Drummers of India Credits:
Directed, Produced, Photography and Original Music by Ruairi Glasheen
Photography by Yury Sharov
Colour by Gabriel Athanasiou
©Ruairi Glasheen 2020

[@PremKumar-nk3db]

Manpoondia Pillai was my grandfather's guru in Trichy, Tamil Nadu. My grand father Thangavellu Pillai was the first Mrithagam master in Malaysia 🇲🇾.

[@bodhran]

Thats incredible! What an icon Manpoondia Pillai was 🙏

[@virtuosowins]

Love and respect from Trichy Bangalore India 🇮🇳

[@AL-jg4pr]

Woah dude I thought this was a documentary from a big ass channel or something. You deserve millions of subscribers mate!

[@bodhran]

Ahh. Thanks for the kind words Rajat! Maybe one day I’ll grow bigger, but I just love making these films really so as long as I can keep doing that I’m really happy 🙏🙌

[@darshankumarr6344]

When you heard Guru B Harishankar name Goosebumps 🙏🏻 True legend

[@Nickel287]

G not B

[@krishnamoorthybalaraman3530]

You have my gratitude for approaching Indian culture with respect and the attitude of a seeker. Every culture has much to offer to true seekers. Hope you found what you came looking for.

[@bodhran]

Thank you for the kind words- it means a lot 🙏

[@paadipanta2607]

DO your duty, do not expect returns. The Indian Philosophy :). Well said.

[@venkatraman9699]

It is sad that such a genius like Harishankar passed away so early. He was my schoolmate(and same age) and lived in Mandaiveli in Chennai. Would see him frequently in R.K Mutt Road till early 80s. Never ever heard of his hidden ,god blessed talent in those days. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa would say that if any one has achieved perfection in one art, thatis enough to realize God easily. Given the extrordinary heights that he has reached, am sure that he is one with Paramapurusha, now.

[@venkataramananpitchai9259]

You were so lucky sir!

[@venkatraman9699]

Yes Sir. Katrorai Kandralum Nandre !!

[@choukimath68]

Sir,glad to know that you are schoolmate,share some pictures that you have with Shri.harishankar.

[@aman_design]

your documentary deserve to be released on discovery nat geo or something, live the edit and storyrelling, believe me i am a filmmaker myself

[@bodhran]

Ah, thank you so much for the kind words! It means a lot especially from another filmmaker. I did actually reach out to discovery ( i think..) maybe it was NatGeo...I cant remember.. though they said no! Ultimately, KZbin has been amazing as anyone, anywhere can come and watch my film, share their thoughts and communicate directly how they felt about it. Its so amazing to have this connection with people watching. Thanks again for the kind words Aman, all the best, Ruairi

[@prashsalve22]

@@bodhran Try History channel ✌👍

[@bodhran]

@@prashsalve22 good idea 🤗

[@mwpoppy7162]

Just watched part one and I’m totally hooked and enjoying part two of this interesting and inspiring documentary….Wow…. G.Harishanka …….what a phenomenal kanjira artist with an amazing sense of rythmn and Lata Ramachar being the only female preforming artiste…..what an inspirational female musicians with such a beautiful smile and spirit🙏….Thank you Ruairi for making and putting together such a fascinating and informative documentary.

[@silencieux4464]

The lady was rather impressive wasn't she. Extremely well done

[@cathyaicardi5610]

Loved watching the interaction between Ruairi and the craftsman who made kanjiras for the great Harishankar Sir. Wonderful to learn also how he (Harishankar) encouraged and supported young musicians. And the expression of performance joy on Lata Ramachar’s face is priceless as is her telling how pain that women experience, can be forgotten while playing.

[@bodhran]

So happy you enjoyed Part 2 Cathy, and thanks again for your kind words. It really was a privilege to get to meet these incredible musicians and makers, a real joy.

[@angelawarren3806]

Big respect for highlighting the journey for female musicians in India. Lata (spelling?) is an inspiration. Fascinated to hear her father’s encouragement for women musicians. Lovely presentation. Many thanks. Angela

[@bodhran]

Thanks so much Angela - I'm delighted you enjoyed it, and yes, its Lata - you should check out her group Rhythms of Shakti, who are truly wonderful!

[@aaictsecurity]

@angela ..its Latha .

[@mariomusic8550]

Please continue doing these documentaries they are endlessly fascinating. I would love to see more musical cultures around the world and you bring them to light in a very clear interesting way. Big respect from Cyprus 👍

[@bodhran]

Thank you Mario, and I'm so glad your enjoying these films. There are lots more coming, just a question of time, and travel.. and when we can get back on the road! Take care and thanks again for the kind words- Ruairi

[@vijay7415]

I am glad that it is the first time any Westerner paying attention to South Indian Percussion instruments. I saw the first time G. Hari Shankar with this program. What an amazing talent he has!. I hope that this series many more views which it deserves. Indian is not Rajasthan alone, which every westerner eye's at. Glasheen has expanded the fathoms of South Indian Music and introduced them to westerners.

[@bodhran]

Thank you for the very kind words- I'm so glad you enjoyed the series. All the very best, Ruairi

[@shivaprasadm3266]

As banglorurian I never heard there names u made us show the hidden talents of our own people thanks a lot n thank u very much I appreciate u for making such a wonderful documentary of kanjara

[@bodhran]

Thanks for the kind words Shiva 🙏

[@sudhamuralidharan6574]

Yes Harishanker was a phenomenon Great artist I have enjoyed his concerts many times. Thanks

[@ar_krrish]

I'm so glad that a person like from another part of the world is coming to experience our traditions and at the same time disappointed with the fact that we as Indians are getting to know about our own things through videos like these Appreciate your work! Keep learning! Hope to see you playing with our artists some day 😊

[@poornimamanamohan2923]

This is such a wonderful series, a fitting tribute to the other dimension in Carnatic music.... The vocal and stringed instruments take up all the limelight, while the rhythm aspect gets sadly neglected, unless the percussionist practically glows with talent. So thank you for taking up this cause and giving it the focus it deserves. As you delve deeper, you will find that within each different region in each state, there will be an interesting variation of a percussion instrument.... Which just reiterates how important a part of life rhythm is. I hope you can document them all. Thanks for the series again.

[@bodhran]

Thank you so much for the kind words Poornima - I also hope I can continue to learn more about the many wonderful traditions. Wishing you the best, Ruairi 🙌🙏

[@manojclarence]

Madam Lata you are such a revelation!!! Thank you for sharing this

[@subhasbabu3713]

Mr Ruairi, you have covered so many perspectives with respect to Khanjira/ Kanjira as an instrument and carnatic music in general. Not to forget the interview with those who make percussion instruments. Latha madam's zeal to perform and continue the tradition is commendable. And you Mr Ruairi, the way you have conducted these interviews, especially when the Tamil part came with instrument maker..... my respect to you.

[@MattLeGroulx]

Watching these Indian videos and loving them I just started looking through your channel and it's amazing! Instant subscribe!

[@climbeverest]

Madam Lata the kanjira percussionist from Bangalore: thanks for sharing your skills, may you have great success

[@shanthanuudupa4817]

exploring the world of music is just awsome learning understanding music through out the world is like going on a holy trip

[@sriramr2437]

I tuned in for a quick view and skip through but I got hooked and now I am all set to start watching part 3 without a break. A very well done documentary

[@bodhran]

Delighted you enjoyed, and thank you for taking the time to leave a kind comment 👍

[@jimmyduncan7650]

What an incredible series. Keep it coming so we can learn, grow, enjoy and........

[@MrKamran4685]

Thanks for these!

[@radhabharathidhandapani6906]

Loved watching this episode. Have learnt carnatic music and been to watch concerts but never seen a female ganjeera player. Thanks for throwing light on her. Keep going at it. You are awesome ❤

[@bodhran]

Thank you for the kind words Radhabharathi - I'm really glad you enjoyed the film

[@soumyakanti17]

Thank you so much for making this series!

[@bodhran]

Thank you Soumyakanti 🙏

[@AriaIvancichArt]

Nice!!! Thanks for sharing. I hope this work of yours gets all the deserved credits.

[@bodhran]

Thanks for the kind words 🌟

[@saikumarreddy2279]

Seriously a great stuff..! 🙏🙏.. not many know about this in india.. I really appreciate your effort of reviving it back.! Pretty happy I came across this.

[@bodhran]

Thanks for the really kind words Sai - all the best to you ☘️

[@RajeshRajagopalan]

Awesome ! Got to know a lot about Kanjira, its history & the great kanjira players of India. Enjoyed Part1 too. Thank you very much 🙏

[@bodhran]

Thanks so much Rajesh 🙏

[@miniyatendra3724]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching the series. Many thanks, keep it up.

[@bodhran]

Delighted to read Mini - thanks for taking the time to write 🙏

[@sravanvedala7811]

You are awesome, thank you for doing this documentary

[@bodhran]

Thanks for watching Sravan 🙏

[@anand8717]

Passion, of this person is priceless .god bless musicians and music lovers

[@ssedarius]

This is so impressive.

[@PramodNarasimhan]

Great job! Looking forward for the next part!!!

[@bodhran]

Pramod Narasimhan looking forward to sharing it! Thanks for the kind words Pramod 🙏

[@choukimath68]

Thanks for sharing and making this video,inrequest many from.you keep.going

[@bodhran]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@ariellelionessofYah]

This documentary series is beautiful! This is seriously incredible work Rauiri!

[@bodhran]

Thank you 🙏

[@greatvedas]

Such a stunning documentary of Kanjera. This is a brilliant story and history of the legends of Kanjera. great work mate.

[@bodhran]

Thanks so much Venkat - Glad you enjoyed it!

[@vinodhiniravishankar1903]

Great work, efforts, artists! Thank you! Was immersed in it the whole time. Kept getting better

[@bodhran]

Thanks for the kind words Vinodhini!

[@gsiyengar]

Glad that i came across this video and learnt more about Kanjera.. beautiful video and Lady Lata Ramachar music is great.. Thanks for bringing this out.

[@bodhran]

So glad you found it, and thanks for taking the time to comment too! 🙏

[@fahadzuberi8266]

Lovely. Thank you. Peace and love to you.

[@bodhran]

Thank you Fahad- wishing you the very best too - Ruairi

[@anilraghu8687]

I never thought Kanjira is an important instrument. I still believe you cannot make best music from it. But it is good to know people dedicated their life to find perfect music from it and a foreigner came to make a documentary on it.

[@lakshmymenon961]

Excellent series... some are need to us Indians too!!

[@sriramrajagopalan7234]

You are doing a great service. This is wonderful. Being an Indian, I'm learning more about our traditions through your videos. Kanjira has captured my imagination over the past few months and I was so happy to come across this series. Subscribed immediately after I watched the first part. Thank you once again and keep them coming.

[@bodhran]

Thank you for the kind words Sriram, and for taking the time to write. Im delighted you enjoyed the series and wishing you the very best. Ruairi

[@ShilpaShankerNarainDhrupad]

So proud of Lata and more strength to her to break the glass ceiling 💕 she spoke so beautifully! What an inspiration!

[@bodhran]

Totally agree Shilpa - Lata is an inspiration! 🙏

[@onsury]

Hi, it was a wonderful attempt to showcase these legends. Looking for more from you on such gems, Ruairi!

[@bodhran]

Thank you for the kind words - so glad you enjoyed 🙏🙌

[@lavanyachandrabose7453]

Such an under represented instrument and artists!

[@htxgp]

Amazing work sir. Thank you for your dedication towards exploring music and instruments in India. You’ve got a subscription 🙏💐

[@bodhran]

Thank Praveen! All the best to you

[@fullblis4788]

Man! that lady rocks... awesome!

[@climbeverest]

The young Bangalore Indian in black tee shirt speaks impeccable English, extremely proud of the Indian tradition of carnatic music

[@shaivyakarnam]

And why should he not be able to speak impeccable English? Sorry but your remark about him is somewhat patronising. Yes I too am an Indian in a black T shirt from Bangalore!

[@mohann2289]

Not Bangalore indian, he is indian.

[@user-bh3jb1yh5d]

Karnataka music

[@jothi4876]

I have tears seeing your documentary. Power of music 🥰

[@bodhran]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the film, and thank you for the kind words 🙏

[@virtuosowins]

I am from Trichy studied college in Pudukkottai and live in Bangalore. incredible India 👌🇮🇳

[@bodhran]

🙌💫

[@Das93]

Thanks for the wonderful video.

[@bodhran]

Very glad you enjoyed!

[@varunkumargopalakrishnan3762]

Karnataka and Tamilnadu two fascinating places with lot of fascinating Carnatic musicians ❤❣

[@bodhran]

I love it there - truly magical and your right, filled to brim with music. Thanks for watching 🙌

[@mahesh7194]

Absolutely right

[@shravanivitthal1855]

Omg she was excellent and so inspiration for all lady's one word she was say let's come out and reach away goal it's so peaceful are listening tq

[@bodhran]

🙏💫

[@sheelas1513]

Excellent, great job, spread positivity.

[@bayonettacereza7596]

You sir are a Man on a mission! Glad I'm able witness your content!

[@bodhran]

Hahah! Thanks so much - glad you enjoyed 🙌

[@purushothamack3949]

Music is a divine thing...some people blessed by God makes the music more divine...

[@kalpsganvir]

both documentaries are really inspiring..!!

[@bodhran]

Really glad you enjoyed 🌎🙌

[@saisantosh2803]

Wow great work brother ,love to see your passion towards music 🎶🎶 . God bless you for your future more Discovery's of gems across India .

[@bodhran]

Thank you very much for the kind words, i really appreciate it!

[@venkisundarraj]

Wow. Great initiate and so well documented. All great percussionists. 👍👍👏👏👏👏

[@bodhran]

Thank you kindly Venki!

[@thierryklein6851]

Super !!!! Bravo et merci !!!!

[@pathofsadhguru6326]

Wow wow mesmerizing

[@ggopal7435]

Appreciation by a foreigner who realy absorbed the values which is scientific. Good luck to those who gave valuable ecplanation.

[@nandinidarog8647]

Wonderful documentry!! Very happy to understand such a great instrument and great doyen Sri Harishankar and Smt Latha Ramachar. Best wishes for more such documentry💐💐💐

[@bodhran]

Thank you Nandini!

[@manjunath2377]

Thank you sir, exporing about and giving information about culture which could not seen / explored by us...

[@bodhran]

Delighted you enjoyed 🙏

[@Shifter_64]

Commenting for the algorithm. Beautiful work, Thanks for exposing the south Indian culture.

[@bodhran]

Thank you for taking the time Navu 🙏

[@kelly-annmaddox]

This is an absolutely poetic documentary. Thank you so much ❤️

[@bodhran]

Thank you so much for the kind words Kelly-Ann 🙏🌟

[@dr.anilkumarswain5729]

This same instrument is played in Odisha also. This is called "KHANJANI" this has been played more than Four hundred years in ODISHA

[@chandrus2936]

Great job covering all the missed or forgotten talent ..

[@bodhran]

Glad you enjoyed :)

[@thakara]

Brief explainer for those who want to know what the "A-grade artist" thing Sh. Lata Ramachar was talking about: All India Radio (AIR) is/was one of the most important platform for classical musicians. AIR classifies performers in grades and it is widely considered to be a reliable measure of an artist's competence.

[@ART_INDIA]

What a Different instrument You Focus and Give information.....🙏 What a Beautiful & Neaver Highlit this Instrument kanjira ....🙏 Taking somuch Efforts to Make This Vedio ... 🙏 Your Work is So Wounderful & Helpfull for Music World 🙏 Great & God Bless You 🙏💐

[@dr.nagarajasharma6729]

Great tradition. Thanks for exploration.

[@bodhran]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Adharmikdanav]

Beautiful!

[@jaswanthkumar9527]

Thanq for came across this topic ..

[@velmurugankandasamy9656]

That kanjira very good with madam.the great daughter of the Ramachandran kanjira.I hope her dream come true as ladies carnatic orchestra. தங்கை ஆசை வெற்றிபெற வாழ்த்துக்கள்.

[@mgchandrakanth]

Great video, in sincere appreciation of Glasheen who has made this video. God bless him immensely for making us known about the daughter of Vid HP Ramachar, Khanjeera.

[@bodhran]

Thank you so much - your kind words mean a lot 🙏

[@raajampolu912]

Thanks man...🙏🙏🙏

[@utubevellorears]

Such a wonderful documentary!!

[@bodhran]

Thank you Raghavan - I'm so glad you enjoyed it

[@sharathchandra2495]

Thank you so much for this documentary. The best thing about this video is it shows India and it's culture especially music in true spirit. Unlike other foreigners you seem to be enjoying everything around including traffic jam :)

[@bodhran]

i'm so glad you feel its an accurate and truthful representation Sharath, and for sure I had the time of my life in India making the film- hopefully I can return again soon! Thanks for the kind words and all the very best to you, Ruairi

[@devendrakalavakunta]

I appreciate your passion brother. I like Irish clog dance. Used to watch multiple times David Hoffman's old shot video.

[@9533995330]

I'm very happy by ur vedio

[@manjunathagroupsconstructi2611]

Good documentary brother... It's very useful to know about olden legand person

[@bodhran]

🙏

[@skracing9488]

Saw INDIA on thumbnail and opened to watch irrespective of content. 😘😘

[@sivarampochiraju]

Great documentary. I am very impressed about your sincere efforts. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

[@bodhran]

Really glad you enjoyed it Sivaram!

[@ShivaKumar-sw1te]

My research on the music world, personal information is the person play music have a great health atmospheric living life, because of its music makes mind and soul mate meet a pin called peace.

[@Mannycanten]

Incredible 😍❤️

[@iglb23]

Amazing, excelent work Ruairi! Greeting from Argentina! If you ever want to come and explore the Bombo Leguero, let me know!

[@bodhran]

I would LOVE that Ivan! Email me on [e-mail] - let’s talk!!! Ruairi

[@purshottammalviya8986]

बहुत खूब क्या बात है💟🙏💟

[@quodlibetful]

Fabulous!

[@bodhran]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@vgrbmc5166]

i dont have words to appreciate u brother... all i can say is u r a different youtuber... keep it UP & keep it going... மகிழ்ச்சி!!! நன்றி!!!

[@bodhran]

Thank you so much for the kind words - I really appreciate it 😀

[@kanteshcreations2024]

Really inspiring! Such a wonderfull documentary #RuairiGlasheen... And i am very much curious of this instrument!!

[@bodhran]

Thanks for the kind words- really delighted you enjoyed

[@luizaomusico2984]

Maravilha ! Muito obrigado.

[@TribeBangZealot]

Simply incredible work. Cheers from Florida... I hope I get the chance to tip around with you one day!

[@bodhran]

Thanks so much- Delighted you enjoyed it! Keep the rhythm going :-D

[@leefamelos7194]

YeSSS!!! this is awesome

[@bodhran]

🙏

[@SURVEJAYDEEP]

Dude thanks a ton for doing this.

[@bodhran]

It was my privilege Jaydeep 🙏

[@kedarnevergone]

Lata, the lady, played it so well!

[@thippeswamyh2297]

Beautiful information

[@bodhran]

Really glad you enjoyed 🙌

[@anupamakamath2006]

Beautiful🙏🙏

[@bethanymulley4172]

I'm loving these videos! For me it is especially amazing to see Lata Ramachar play and pave the way for women. I'd love to see more of her work - does anyone know of any links to her performing. Or any other women drummers of Carnatic tradition?