Darshanam Mogilaiah
Darshanam Mogilaiah
Born: 1951
2-15/2, Ausalikunta
Mahabubnagar, Telangana
Padma Shri: 2022
About
Darshanam Mogilaiah, affectionately known as Kinnera Mogulaiah, was a distinguished Indian folk artist celebrated for his mastery of the Kinnera, an ancient stringed instrument indigenous to the Deccan Plateau. Born in 1951 in Ausalikunta, Nagarkurnool district of present-day Telangana, Mogilaiah’s life was a testament to resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to preserving a fading musical tradition.
In recognition of his invaluable contributions to Indian folk music and his relentless efforts to revive and sustain the Kinnera tradition, Darshanam Mogilaiah was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2022. This prestigious award, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, acknowledged his role as a “Tribal Kinnera player and folk singer from Nagarkurnool, last one to have mastered the 12 steps on the instrument.” The accolade not only celebrated his achievements but also brought national attention to the rich cultural heritage of the Kinnera.
Education
Mogilaiah did not receive formal education. Instead, his learning was deeply rooted in his community’s oral traditions and musical heritage. From a young age, he immersed himself in the art of Kinnera playing, absorbing the nuances of the instrument and the folk tales it narrated. This traditional form of education passed down through generations, equipped him with a profound understanding of his craft and its cultural significance.
Hardships Faced
Life for Mogilaiah was fraught with challenges. Belonging to the Madiga (Dalit) community, he faced societal marginalisation and economic hardships. Without a steady source of income, he worked as a daily wage laborer for over 14 years, toiling at construction sites across various districts, including Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal and even venturing to Mumbai in search of livelihood. Despite these adversities, his passion for the Kinnera remained undiminished, and he continued to nurture his musical heritage amidst the struggles.
Contributions that Brought About the Change
Mogilaiah’s most significant contribution lies in his innovative enhancement of the Kinnera. Traditionally, the instrument featured seven, eight, or nine steps (frets). Drawing inspiration from his father’s craftsmanship, who had crafted a nine-stair Kinnera, Mogilaiah pioneered the creation of a 12-stair Kinnera, becoming the first and only artist to do so. This modification expanded the instrument’s melodic range, allowing for more intricate musical expressions and enriching the traditional repertoire.
The Kinnera is a two-stringed instrument made using indigenous materials like bamboo, dried bottle gourd shells, honeycomb, beads, bull horn, mirrors, and peacock feathers. Historically, strings were fashioned from women’s hair, horse-tail hair, or animal nerves. Mogilaiah introduced metal strings, enhancing the instrument’s durability and tonal quality. He learned the art of playing the Kinnera from his father, Yellaiah, and began accompanying him on performances from age eight. For over five decades, Mogilaiah sang folk tales of local heroes such as Pandugolla Sayanna, Endavetla Pakiraiah, and Miya Saab, who championed the cause of the poor.
His dedication to the Kinnera extended beyond performance; he actively sought to preserve and promote this traditional art form. By collaborating with contemporary artists and integrating the Kinnera into modern musical contexts, Mogilaiah ensured that the instrument resonated with younger generations, securing its place in India’s cultural tapestry.
Before and After
Before Mogilaiah’s interventions, the Kinnera was on the brink of extinction, confined to the memories of older musicians and rarely seen in mainstream performances. The instrument’s complexity and the diminishing number of practitioners contributed to its decline.
Mogilaiah’s innovations revitalised interest in the Kinnera, transforming it from an obscure artifact to a celebrated symbol of Telangana’s folk heritage.
His collaboration on the title track of the 2022 Telugu film “Bheemla Nayak” introduced the Kinnera to a broader audience, blending traditional sounds with contemporary music. This fusion showcased the instrument’s versatility and highlighted its relevance in modern artistic expressions.
Achievements and Accolades
In addition to the Padma Shri, Mogilaiah received several honours recognising his contributions:
- Ugadi Puraskaram (2015): The highest state honour in Telangana, acknowledging his dedication to folk music.
- Educational Recognition: His contributions and the significance of the Kinnera were included in the Class VIII social studies textbook in Telangana, ensuring that young students learn about this rich cultural heritage.
Mogilaiah’s journey from a marginalised community to national recognition epitomises the transformative power of art and dedication. His life’s work preserved a vital musical tradition and inspired future generations to embrace and celebrate their cultural roots.