N.Rajam - Violin

Born in 1939 in Ernakulam, Kerala, N.Rajam received her training in violin from her father A.Narayana Iyer. She later studied Hindustani music under Pandit Omkarnath Thakur of the Gwalior gharana.

An outstanding soloist, N.Rajam has performed widely in India and abroad. Her style is marked by virtuosity and chaste classicism. She has also specialized in playing in the thumri style of Banaras, benefiting by her training under Pandit Mahadev Prasad Mishra. She has taught at Banaras Hindu University since 1959 and has Dean of its Faculty of Performing Arts. She has also served as the Chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Among other honours, N.Rajam received the uttar Pradesh Sngeet Natak Akademi Award in 1976, the Padma Shri in 1984, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990.

Sangeetha Shankar, daughter and disciple of N.Rajam, is considered to be among the finest violinists of the younger generation. She has received a doctoral degree in music from Banaras Hindu University.