Archive · 23 Sep 2025
Sumana Chandrashekar's Recollections of Finding the Ghatam
Sumana Chandrashekar, a Ghatam player, shares the story of how she first felt the pull towards playing the instrument.
She reflects on her upbringing in Dandeli, a diverse town where different cultures blended harmoniously.
She highlights the influence of her parents, who encouraged independent thinking and valued experiences over rigid social norms.
Her parents were non-conformists with an appreciation for music, travel, and the arts.
This environment, along with her experiences, fostered the 'inner life' necessary for her to eventually embrace the Ghatam.
This was the seed of her interest.
Sumana Chandrashekar reflects on her connection to the Ghatam.
She grew up in Dandeli, a town with a diverse population.
Chandrashekar's parents were progressive individuals who valued art and experiences.
Her parents’ upbringing shaped her values and worldview.
The town and upbringing primed her for playing the Ghatam.
- Who
- Sumana Chandrashekar
- What
- Recollection of her journey to the Ghatam
- When
- The best years of her growing up were in the 1990s
- Where
- Dandeli, Karnataka
- Why
- To understand the origins of her calling to play the Ghatam.
- Subject
- Ghatam player Sumana Chandrashekar's memoir
- Location
- Dandeli, Karnataka, India
- Key Figures
- Sumana Chandrashekar, parents Usha and Chandru
- Key Concept
- The artist's inner life and preparation
- Influences
- Parents' values, experiences in Dandeli