Peruvanam Kuttan Marar is a chenda artist. He leads several popular traditional orchestra performances in Kerala. He received Padma Shri, India's third highest civilian award, in 2011 for his contributions in the field of art.[1]
Early life
Peruvanam Kuttan Marar was born to a family of chenda artists in Peruvanam, Thrissur, Kerala. His grandfather, Peruvanam Narayana Marar and his father, Peruvanam Appu Marar were also well-known chenda artists. His teachers include his father, Kumarapuram Appu Marar and Sreenarayanapuram Appu Marar.[2] He made his debut with Chenda at the age of 10. He performed at festivals in nearby temples including Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple.[3] He also joined as a clerk in C N N Boys' High School, Cherpu at the age of 20.[citation needed]
Career as an artist
Kuttan Marar features in prominent temple festivals of Kerala including Thrissur Pooram, Peruvanam pooram, Kollam Pooram and those at Guruvayur Temple.[3][4][5] He leads the famous Ilanjithara Melam of Thrissur Pooram.[3][6] Kuttan Marar started performing at the Ilanjithara Melam from 1977 and has been its Pramani since 1999.[7]
(Partial) listing of temples where Peruvanam Kuttan Marar has performed :