Varanasi: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday released a Rs 250 commemorative coin to mark the 250th birth anniversary of legendary Carnatic composer Muthuswami Dikshitar at Swatantrata Bhavan, Banaras Hindu University .
Born in 1775, Dikshitar holds a distinguished place in Indian classical music alongside Tyagaraja and Syama Sastri.
The event, titled “Amara Guruguha: A 250-Year Commemoration of Muthuswami Dikshitar”, was organised by the Centre of Excellence in Indian Knowledge Systems, IIT-BHU. The signature “Guruguha”, used in many of his compositions, remains closely associated with his musical identity. The programme celebrated the life, music and lasting legacy of one of the most revered composers in Indian classical music. The commemorative ceremony featured a Carnatic vocal recital by Sumithra Vasudev and a veena recital by Ramana Balachandran. They were accompanied by B Ganapathyraman on the mridangam and L Ramakrishnan on the violin. BHU vice-chancellor Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, along with senior administrators, faculty members and students from IIT-BHU and BHU, attended the event. A composer, vocalist and veena player, Dikshitar enriched the Carnatic tradition with compositions known for their musical depth, complex melodic structures, Sanskrit scholarship and devotional themes. His works span a wide range of ragas and draw inspiration from temples, deities and India’s spiritual heritage. His compositions continue to form an essential part of the Carnatic repertoire and reflect a deep connection between India’s musical, literary and spiritual traditions.
The coin weighs 35 grams and is made of a four-metal alloy. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Varanasi | Silver Rate in Varanasi | Bank Holidays in Varanasi | Public Holidays in Varanasi | Varanasi AQI | Weather in Varanasi | Petrol Price in Varanasi | Diesel Price in Varanasi | CNG Price in Varanasi | LPG Price in Varanasi Stay updated with the latest Varanasi news.
Renowned numismatist Sudhir Lunawat said the commemorative coin was minted at the India Government Mint, Mumbai. Download the TOI App.