Musical Inheritance and Cultural Background
A tribute to the extraordinary lineage and legacy of
Dr. R. Sathyanarayana
Dr. R. Sathyanarayana (b. May 9, 1927 – Mysore, Karnataka), M.Sc. (Chemistry), Ph.D., D.Litt., D.Litt. (Honoris Causa) was an internationally acclaimed musicologist and danceologist, whose life and work embodied a rare confluence of deep scholarship, rich musical inheritance, and service to Indian classical arts.
He belonged to the lineage of the Saint Composer Sri Tyagaraja and came from a family steeped in music, scholarship, and cultural traditions.
A Lineage of Luminaries
Paternal Grandfather: Pallavi Ramalingayya
– Famed for extempore pallavis in 108 Desi Talas.
– Trained under Manambuchavadi Venkatasubbayya, senior disciple of Tyagaraja.
Father: B. Ramaiah – Renowned musician.
Mother: Smt. Varalakshmi
– Foremost disciple of Veena Sundarashastri, Mysore Royal Court musician.
– Initiated Dr. Sathyanarayana into music at age five.
Family Legacy:
– His siblings, wife, children, in-laws, and grandchildren are noted musicians and dancers.
– His daughter-in-law is a Bharatanatyam dancer of repute.
Professional Teaching Experience
- Chemistry (1949–1984)
- Karnataka Music (1945–1984)
- Musicology & Danceology (from 1951 onwards)
Academic Distinctions
- First interdisciplinary D.Litt. from Mysore University
- Golden Jubilee Awards for research in Fine Arts (3 times)
- International Biographical Centre, Cambridge: Certificate of Honour
- Highest Award for Lecture-Demonstration, Music Academy, Madras
Awards and Honors (Selected)
- Padma Shri, fourth-highest civilian award of the Republic of India, New Delhi (2018)
- Rajya Sangita Vidwan Award, Govt. of Karnataka (2011)
- Madras Music Academy Musicologist Award
- Karnataka Rajyotsava Award
- Bharatamuni Samman, Nalanda Research Centre, Mumbai (2012)
Honorific Titles
- Mahamahopadhyaya
- Rashtrabhooshana
- Sangeetha Kala Rathna
- Sangeetha Sudhakara
- Ganashastravidyavaridhi
- Sangita Shastra Shiromani
- Abhinava Bharatacharya