Several hamlets in and around Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai (erstwhile Mayavaram) have had a major share in the proliferation of Nagaswaram and Thavil vidwans since time immemorial.
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Thiruvalaputhur is one such hamlet from where Thavil vidwan T.A. Kaliyamoorthy hails.
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Kalaimamani Thiruvalaputhur T A Kaliyamurthy (born October 22, 1948) is a famous Thavil artist providing 'special' Thavil accompaniment ('Special' in percussion circles denotes selection-grade status and seniority) to the Nagaswaram maestros.
An A-Grade panel artist of AIR Chennai, Gayathri has given quite a number of interesting and non-routine concerts such as Jugalbandis with Hindustani musicians, vocal performances with Thavil accompaniment, one Raga – one Kriti concerts (that call for highest levels of Manodharma) and numerous thematic concerts on topics like Shanmatam and Nava Vidha Bhakthi.
Famous thavil players, such as Needamangalam Meenakshisundaram Pillai often gave him the laya support.