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| P.V.Raman, Peramangalam, Thrissur |
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The unique maker of the Kerala musical instrument, ‘Kombu’, P.V.Raman is in possession of a small book sent by a visitor from UK. This Englishman had carried a ‘horn’ made by Raman for display in a London museum. ‘Music Room’, the book in question depicts the details of musical instruments kept in that museum. Unlettered Raman, who doesn’t know even to read Malayalam, keeps the book as a valuable possession.
Raman from Peramangalam, Thrissur has been making 'Kombu' for the past 27 years. He has no idea where all the 20000 odd instruments he had fabricated must have reached. 64-year-old Raman doesn’t have any disciples; and the reason for that is linked to his own life.
Years ago, Raman once stood before his guru with the intention to give ‘gurudakshina’ at the completion of his studies. Guru, who was busy making another ‘kombu’ just said, “forget whatever I have taught you, that is my dakshina”. Though taken back by the guru’s demand, Raman decided to fulfill his mentor’s wish.
As he tried to forget the burden of his knowledge, the guru called him one day. Old age was finally overpowering the veteran. Placing his palm on Raman’s head the guru said, “from now onwards, it is you.” It was then that he understood the significance of guru’s initial demand. According to the oral tradition of their forefathers, 2 'Kombu' makers will not prosper in the same land. If that happens, the disciple is likely to die an untimely death.
From the wisdom refined out of years of experience, Raman attributes the perfection of his art to his guru’s grace. That is why the bronze horn made in the moulds is able to produce perfect notes, he says.
Courtesy: Kundoor Sathyanarayanan, Malayala Manorama, February 6, 2005
Contributed by: Administrator
