Karaikudi Mani

Karaikudi Mani was one of the most celebrated mridangam players in the world of Carnatic music. Born in 1945 in Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India, he was a child prodigy who gave his first concert at the age of seven. Over the decades, Mani became known for his incredible rhythmic skills, deep understanding of laya (tempo), and innovative approach to percussion. He played with many of the greats in Indian classical music and also collaborated across genres, creating fusion projects that blended Indian rhythm with jazz, Western classical, and world music. As a teacher, he founded Sruti Laya Kendra to train a new generation of percussionists, leaving a lasting impact on the art form.

Mani’s style was marked by mathematical precision and emotional depth, and he was passionate about making the mridangam a prominent solo and ensemble instrument beyond its traditional accompaniment role. His accolades include some of India's highest honors for the arts, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians around the world.