Trinity of Carnatic music

The Trinity of Carnatic Music, also known as the Three Jewels of Carnatic Music, refers to the outstanding trio of composer-musicians of Carnatic music in the 18th centuryTyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri. Prolific in composition, the Trinity of Carnatic music is known for creating a new era in the history of carnatic music by bringing about a noticeable change in what was the existing carnatic music tradition. Compositions of the Trinity of Carnatic music are recognized as being distinct in style, and original in handling ragas. All three composers were born in Thiruvarur, formerly part of Thanjavur District in Tamilnadu. M. S. Subbalakshmi, D. K. Pattammal, and M. L. Vasanthakumari, who are carnatic musicians of the 20th century, are popularly referred to as the female Trinity of Carnatic Music.

NameYearsLanguage of CompositionsMudraKnown for
Syama Sastri1762–1827Telugu and SanskritŚyāma KrishnaComplex Talas, Swarajati
Tyagaraja1767–1847Telugu and SanskritTyagarajaPancharatna Kritis
Muthuswami Dikshitar1775–1835Sanskrit; Some in ManipravalamGuruguhaNottuswara, Navagraha Kritis