It is common for people to pledge jewellery ( abharanam in Tamil) and other valuables to raise money during difficult times. But a well-known musician, Narasaiyar alias Narashimha Iyer, pledged Sankarabharanam, a Carnatic music raga, to overcome his financial crisis during the reign of King Serfoji.
Sankarabharanam became synonymous with Narasaiyar’s name after King Serfoji, moved by the musician’s rendition of the raga, conferred on him the title Sankarabharanam Narasaiyar. Tamil Thatha U. Ve. Swaminatha Iyer, who was also trained in classical music, has recorded the incident in one of his articles, which will find a place in the four-volume collection being brought out by noted publishers Kalachuvadu.
The story, as narrated by U. Ve. Sa, goes that when Narasaiyar was badly in need of money, he approached Ramabadra Moopanar, one of the forefathers of former Union Minister and TMC leader G.K. Vasan.
“He stayed as a guest of Moopanar at his bungalow in Kapistalam. After two days, Narasaiyar slowly broached the topic and asked for 80 gold coins. When Moopanar wondered what Narasaiayar had to offer in return, the musician responded hesitantly that the only abaranam in his possession was Sankarabharanam . So, he promised not to sing Sankarabharanam till he returned the money,” says Swaminatha Iyer, though the source is not clear.
Narasaiyar kept the promise for long, but he came under pressure to sing the raga at a wedding in the family of Kumbakonam Appurayar, a British government employee and a close friend of British official Wallis.
When Narasaiyar expressed his helplessness because of the ‘hypothecation’ of the raga, Appurayar sent a messenger with money to Kapistalam to redeem the raga. Moopanar not only returned the agreement signed between him and Narasaiyar, but also rushed to Kumbakonam to meet Appurayar. He gave more money to Narasaiyar and requested everyone to forget the incident, saying he had done so only for fun.
“I would have happily given the money Narasaiyar asked for. He was so close to me that I was a little upset when he wanted to borrow from me. What is the use of money if we are not able to help great artistes,” Swamintha Iyer records Moopanar as saying.
The next day, Narasaiyar captivated the audience with his Sankarabharanam and also went on to become the court musician of Appurayar. The honour in King Serfoji’s court followed suit.
