Shastra

Dr. R.S. Nandakumar is a distinguished scholar in Indian Musicology and Danceology, with over three decades of experience teaching at institutions of higher learning.

Currently serving as Professor of Musicology, he is a well-known author of contemporarily relevant books and has contributed research articles to seminars, art workshops, and university publications.

He teaches Indian musicology and danceology to research scholars, continuing a rich tradition of interdisciplinary excellence.

Initiation into Śāstra

Nandakumar’s journey into the world of śāstra began under the guidance of his guru, mentor, and father, Dr. R. Sathyanārāyaṇa. From an early age, he imbibed the spirit and purpose of saṅgīta śāstra, assisting in the preparation of monumental works and classical treatises.

His guru also introduced him to a refined bhāratīya methodology of research (samśodhana), which brought academic depth and cultural authenticity to Indological studies.

A New Approach to Indian Research Methodology

Under the benevolent mentorship of Dr. Sathyanārāyaṇa, Nandakumar has evolved a unique Indian Research Methodology—now reflected and referenced across several Indian and international platforms. This methodology prioritizes:

“Discovering, rediscovering, and ascertaining truths and realities through culturally grounded frameworks.”

Research in saṅgīta and śāstra is not just data analysis—it is a metaphysical journey, rooted in epistemology and linguistic logic. In humanities, especially in Indian traditions, knowledge generation is deeply symbolic and layered, requiring methodologies that respect such depth.

Nandakumar argues that many contemporary research practices adopt generic frameworks that often fail to serve the nuanced purpose of Indian musicological inquiry. In contrast, his approach supports methodologies rooted in navīna and pracīna nyāya (ancient and modern Indian logic), śāstra nirmāṇa (structure of treatises), and linguistic fidelity to original Sanskrit sources.

Two Streams of Research Methodologies in Indology

Bhāratīya Samśodhana Paddhati

(Traditional Indian Method)

Based on Sanskrit and Indian-language textual references.
Encourages respectful questioning, not rejection, of foundational concepts such as Veda vāṅgmaya, śikṣā, vedānta, nyāya, etc.
Promotes contemporary relevance through reinterpretation, not dismissal.

Contemporary Western Frameworks

Often applied wholesale, sometimes without contextual relevance.
May lack value alignment with the cultural and artistic heritage being studied.

Proposed Research Phases (Samśodhana Paddhati)

Most current research focuses on the final steps. A return to the foundational process—deep questioning and holistic investigation—is what a true bhāratīya methodology must revive.

Decades Of Shastra Prayoga Anusandhana

Books

Śrīpādarāja : In the History of Karnāṭaka Music : this work was awarded DLitt degree by Kannada University, Hampi. This is a unique research work that traces the origin and development of Karnāṭaka Music to 16th Century in the History of Indian Music. It enlightens the root and origins of the various compositional genre of Indian music, more specifically Karṇāṭaka Music. This academic research is the first of its kind amongst such scholarly works.

Bṛhaddeśī of Mataṅgamuni : This is the monumental work which is an extensivly revised edition of the original work. Nandakumar is the Chief Editor and has done its English translation for the University.

Ongoing Projects & Contributions

Chief Editor for Matanga Muni’s Bṛhaddēśī (Kannada University, Hampi) – Kannada edition published.
English Translation of Bṛhaddēśī (Upcoming by Hampi University).
Matangamuniya Bṛhaddēśī: Ondu Avalokana – Published by Prasaranga, University of Mysore.
Sripadaraya: Ondu Sangīta Śāstrīya Samśodhana – Research on Karnataka Music historiography.
Field Research on Ela, the Prabandha form of ancient Indian music.
Matanga Mātaṅgī Darśana Kaipidi – Handbook on Matanga Muni of Hampi.
The Music Called Saṅgīta – A handbook inspired by sessions at Freie University, Berlin.
Project: Footsteps of Bhārata in Karnataka – Collection of manuscripts on Indian music & dance from 16th century onwards.
Music Education in India – A comprehensive academic text (in progress).
Translation & Transcription of 8 Sanskrit works on music & dance into Kannada.
Audiobook: Buddha Tattva Charyāgītas – In production.
Promoting Post Graduate Studies in Indian Music and Dance: Heading Bharatiya Matanga Samajik Samskruthik Academy(R) under recognition from Kannada University Hampi to promote Post Graduate Studies in Indian Music and Dance and to develop interest in research in Indian music and dance.

Address

#12, 9th cross, 4th main, Jayanagar, Mysuru – 570014

Email: trayeelakshmi@gmail.com

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