Sebastian and Sons is a profound and meticulously researched exploration of the mrdangam—Karnatik music’s primary percussion instrument. Despite its central role on the classical stage, the mrdangam in its current form is barely a century old. T.M. Krishna traces its evolution and turns the spotlight toward its invisible custodians: the gifted but unrecognized mrdangam makers.
The craft of mrdangam-making is complex, intellectually demanding and physically strenuous. From sourcing skins and wood to curing, stretching, binding and tuning, every stage requires rare skill and a highly refined ear. While celebrated performers have shaped the instrument musically, few have truly understood the central importance of hide quality and preparation—an area in which the makers are the real masters.
Many of these artisans, often from Dalit Christian communities, remain marginalized despite their indispensable contribution to the sonic beauty of the mrdangam. Through their stories, struggles and artistry, this book offers a richer and more human understanding of the instrument and the tradition it sustains.
T.M. Krishna is a renowned vocalist in the Karnatik tradition, acclaimed for his innovative yet deeply rooted musical style. Beyond his artistry, he is an outspoken public intellectual who writes and speaks on social inequality, culture and politics. His musical activism spans issues from environmental protection to social justice, and he has collaborated with diverse artistic communities, including transgender musicians and rural performers.
Krishna is the author of several influential works, including A Southern Music: The Karnatik Story, winner of the 2014 Tata Literature Award for Best First Book, and Reshaping Art. He lives in Chennai with his wife and two daughters.