Contents: Preface. 1. Jayadeva and his music.  2. Purandaradasa and Carnatic music. 3. Haridasas of Karnataka and their music. 4. Musical compositions of King Shahaji of Tanjore. 5. King Shahaji’s contribution to music. 6. Margadarsi Seshayyangar and his compositions. 7. Muthuswamy Dikshitar’s Navagraha Kritis. 8.  Dikshitar and Hindustani music. 9. Kshetra kritis of Muthuswami Dikshitar. 10. Shodasa Ganapati Kritis of Dikshitar. 11. Padavarnas of Swati Tirunal. 12. Ragas in Swati Tirunal compositions. 13. Tyagaraja’s devotion. 14. Tyagaraja’s music: an analysis. 15. Divinity of Tyagaraja. 16. Rare ragas dealt with by the musical trinity. 17. Operas of Tyagaraja. 18. Group kritis of Tyagaraja. 19. Rhythmic patterns in his compositions. 20. Philosophy of Tyagaraja.

This volume brings to the fore a synoptic and thematic understanding of the development of South Indian music commencing from 13th cent thru 18th century, the latter period being categorized as the Golden Period of South Indian music. The complete growth of Indian during this period is considered as the Golden Era of South Indian Music. The contributions of Jayadeva, Puradandara Das, the father of Carnatic music and his forerunners known as Haridasa of Karnataka, Martatha King Shahaji’s Genius as a composer, Margadarsi Seshayyangar, the predecessor guru of the Pre-Trinity and Trinity period. Muthuswami Dikshitar’s musical touch relating to Navagrahas, inclusion of Hindustani style of Music into his compositions, his wide travelogue to most of the South Indian Temples (Kshetras) and the remarkable compositions of the 16 (Shodasa) form of Ganesha are dealt in this section. The Maharaja Swati Tirunal as a composer has touched upon – the Rare ragas and the scholarly Padavarnas. The next on Saint  Tyagaraja: deals with -His devotion to music, handling of Rare Ragas, study of his three Musical operas, Group Kritis or Pancharatna form of compositions, exclusive Rhythmic patterns in his songs and finally the philosophical content in his compositions.