Archive · 21 Sep 2025
Sumana Chandrashekar: Ghatam Player Breaks Barriers
Sumana Chandrashekar plays the ghatam, a clay pot used in Indian classical music.
She faced challenges because she is a woman playing a traditional instrument and dressing differently.
Her book talks about her life, music, and overcoming these obstacles.
She trained under a female musician, breaking gender norms.
Her story also highlights the historical and social challenges women faced, including being told they could not play.
The ghatam is an everyday object with a unique voice in Carnatic music.
Her story celebrates the instrument, the people who make it, and her fight for individual expression.
Sumana Chandrashekar is a ghatam player and has written a memoir about her experiences.
Her memoir, 'My Journey With Ghatam,' explores challenges in Carnatic music.
She trained under Sukanya Ramgopal, a pioneer for women in percussion.
Chandrashekar defied traditional norms regarding appearance and dress.
Chandrashekar values creative possibilities for the ghatam, beyond traditional accompaniment.
- Who
- Sumana Chandrashekar
- What
- A ghatam player and her experiences in Carnatic music, detailed in her memoir.
- When
- Late 19th century to present
- Where
- Bengaluru, India, and Manamadurai, Tamil Nadu
- Why
- To highlight her journey, challenges faced by women in music, and the ghatam's significance.
Traditionalists
Progressives
Gender Roles in Music
Traditionalists
Some believed women were not suited to play the ghatam due to tradition and the need to bare the belly.
Progressives
Chandrashekar and others challenge these gender roles, advocating for equality in the music world.
Appearance and Conformity
Traditionalists
Some believe in adhering to traditional attire and appearance norms.
Progressives
Chandrashekar believes in expressing her individuality, choosing her own style and appearance, rejecting what she sees as unnecessary conformity.
- Occupation
- Ghatam Player
- Instrument
- Ghatam
- Training
- Sukanya Ramgopal
- Memoir Title
- My Journey With Ghatam
- Location
- Bengaluru, India & Manamadurai, Tamil Nadu