Tradition In Transition The Adaptive Art of The Modern Carnatic Musicians

In the shifting echo between ancient ragas and modern acoustics, the Carnatic musicians of today stand at a crossroads— one foot anchored in centuries of tradition, the other stepping into an unpredictable sonic future. This paper examines how contemporary performers navigate a complex soundscape shaped by technological advances, evolving audience sensibilities, and diverse performance contexts. Insights are drawn from interviews with professional musicians, close observation of live concerts, and analysis of contrasting performance settings—from temple courtyards to high-tech auditoriums. Four interwoven dimensions emerge: the integration of technology (microphones, digital shruti aids, online streaming), acoustic adaptation to varied venues, psychological strategies for sustaining creativity and resilience, and the transformation of unforeseen interruptions into moments of artistic expression. The methodology combines narrative interpretation of artist experiences with thematic analysis of performance scenarios, enabling both lived and scholarly perspectives. Framing these findings within the aesthetics and pedagogy of Carnatic music, the study argues that adaptability has become a defining skill of the 21st-century performer—revitalising tradition while expanding its expressive reach. Such adaptive artistry not only safeguards the heritage of Carnatic music but also ensures its capacity to resonate with diverse audiences in an ever-changing sonic landscape.