The capital of Travancore eventually shifted to Thiruvananthapuram during the reign of Maharaja Swati Tirunal (1813-1846). Sanskrit gains a different flavour in the hands of Adi Sankara, Kalidasa, Muthuswamy Dikshitar, Sadasiva Brahmendra and Maharaja Swati Tirunal. The language has been used in a distinct manner by Swati Tirunal in his various works such as Kuchelopakhyanam, Ajamilopakhyanam and swaraksharam-studded sahityam for his phenomenal pada varnams. A classic example are the Navaratri kritis by Swati Tirunal. ‘Devi ‘pavane in Saveri is probably one of the most beautiful songs composed in this raga.

Source: The Hindu October 17, 2023 18:52 UTC