Congratulations to Dr.Sudheer C V

Dr. Sudheer C. V. Awarded Ph.D. in Music from Vellore Institute of Technology

Dr. Sudheer C. V., Professor at VIT Vellore, was awarded his doctoral degree in Music on July 7, 2025. His thesis, “Kathakali Music: A Study on Its Evolutionary Trajectory”, offers a pioneering exploration of the historical roots and evolution of Kathakali music, tracing its deep connections with temple traditions, indigenous rāgas, and Carnatic influences.

The research highlights the transformative role of Jayadeva’s Gīta Gōvindam (12th century, Odisha) in shaping Kerala’s Sōpāna saṅgītaṁ, which later became the foundation of Kathakali music. It documents how the Aṣṭapadi compositions, originally in Hindustani rāgas, were adapted into Kerala’s temple music and influenced local traditions, before being incorporated into Kathakali performances. The study also underscores the rich interplay of Kathakali’s vocal and instrumental traditions, particularly the exclusive use of percussion instruments such as Cheṇda, Maddalaṁ, and Iṭakka.

A significant finding of this thesis is the gradual decline of indigenous rāgas in Kathakali due to the growing adoption of Carnatic rāgas. Dr. Sudheer emphasizes the need for conscious preservation of the Sōpāna style by encouraging the use of native rāgas in new Kathakali compositions.

Dr. Sudheer is the son of Late Dr. Govinda Varier (Pulapatta Variem) and Suseela C. V. (Chorathu Variem). He is married to Gayathri Mohan (Madappattil Variem), Assistant Manager, Outreach Department, VIT. They are blessed with two children, Vaishrawan Sudheer and Vishruthi Sudheer.

Congratulations & best wishes 💐 : WARRIERS.org