Question

Select the composer of Tillana :

• A. Shyama Shastry
• B. Purandara Dasa
• C. Patnam Subramanya Iyer
• D. Kshetragna

Hint:

Match the other composers first: Kshetragna with padams and Purandara Dasa with devaranamas and teaching compositions. The remaining composer is known for brisk rhythmic Carnatic pieces including tillanas.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Concept
A Tillana is a highly rhythmic, fast-paced, and energetic compositional form in Carnatic music, extensively used in both music concerts and classical dance (Bharatanatyam) recitals.

Step 2: Evaluating the Composers
- Shyama Shastry (one of the Trinity) is celebrated for his deep, serious Kritis and Swarajatis.
- Purandara Dasa (the Father of Carnatic Music) composed early Gitas, Sooladis, and devotional Devaranamas.
- Kshetragna is the undisputed master of slow, highly expressive, romantic-spiritual Padams.
- Patnam Subramania Iyer (1845--1902) was an exceptionally brilliant late-modern composer who created several highly popular, sparkling, and rhythmically complex Tillanas (such as the famous Tillana in Raga Khamas set to Adi Tala).

Step 3: Conclusion
Thus, Patnam Subramanya Iyer is the correct composer of Tillanas among the choices, matching option (C). Final Answer: (C)

Answer 2

Concept:

• Match each Carnatic composer with the musical form for which that composer is especially known.
• Tillana is a brisk rhythmic concert and dance composition, distinct from padam, devaranama, and the heavier kriti tradition.

Step 1: Eliminate composers linked mainly with other forms.
Purandara Dasa is strongly associated with devaranamas and foundational teaching compositions.
Kshetragna is especially known for padams, while Shyama Shastry is celebrated for kritis and swarajatis.

Step 2: Identify the composer linked with tillanas.
Patnam Subramanya Iyer composed well-known rhythmic pieces, including tillanas used in Carnatic performance and dance.

Step 3: Match with the options.
Among the four listed names, Patnam Subramanya Iyer is the composer associated with the requested form.

Final Answer: Patnam Subramanya Iyer, option C.