Date of Award
Spring 5-2-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Music
First Advisor
Farzad Amoozegar-Fassaie
Second Advisor
Yayoi Everett
Academic Program Adviser
Yayoi Everett
Abstract
This thesis explores the intricate dynamics of voice within South Indian musical traditions, examining it as both a spiritual medium resonating with the divine concept of Nāda-Brahman and a psychological instrument navigating modernity, identity, and cultural hybridity. Employing the Self-Rasa-Chakra framework, derived from Upanishadic and tantric philosophies, alongside autoethnographic narratives and case studies, it investigates how the voice serves as a site of striving. Through an interdisciplinary lens combining ethnomusicology, psychoanalysis, and sound studies, this research delves into the paradox of voice: its role in sacred surrender within Carnatic music, juxtaposed against its individualistic expression in contemporary independent music. Case studies from fieldwork at Chennai temples and independent compositions illuminate the dual striving of the voice—spiritual resonance and psychological negotiation. The study contributes to decolonial sound studies by foregrounding South Asian epistemologies and interrogates cultural and gendered tensions within the realm of musical creativity occurring in the backdrop of globalization. Ultimately, it positions voice as a dynamic practice of becoming, deeply embedded in the complex interplay of tradition, modernity, psychology and spirituality.
Recommended Citation
Thiyagarajan, Ramya, "Voice as Dual Striving: Spiritual Resonance and Psychological Negotiation in South Indian Musical Practices" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/hc_sas_etds/1338
Included in
Aesthetics Commons, Ethnic Studies Commons, Ethnomusicology Commons, Hindu Studies Commons, Other Languages, Societies, and Cultures Commons, South and Southeast Asian Languages and Societies Commons
