Studio 16
The Art of Gamaka
Vachana and Vyakhyana — singing and explaining the epics
A studio in Gamaka — the classical art of singing and explaining poetry from the epics — taught as both performance and pedagogy.
When
20–25 July 2026
Six full days · 10am–5pm
Where
Chanakya university Global Campus
Devanahalli, Bengaluru
You earn
2 Credits
Certificate of Completion
Open to
All Students
UG, PG, PhD across schools + external participants
What you’ll do
Gamaka is the classical art of singing and explaining poetry from the epics. This studio takes it on as both performance and pedagogy. You’ll examine Gamaka’s place among Indian art forms, its role in carrying the values and stories of our epics across generations, and the creative, dramatic, and linguistic skills the form demands.
Theory sessions cover Gamaka as an art form and the skills it involves — its meaning and relevance, a comparison with other art forms, its use in propagating epics and values, the creative skills in singing and explanation, the dramatic skills in singing and explanation, and the importance and development of language.
Practical workshops alternate between vachana (the sung rendition of verses from known languages) and vyakhyana (the live explanation of select episodes), with demonstrations from selected epics. Participants who wish to are invited to present pieces from epics of their own choice.
Your instructor
Prasad Bhardhwaj
Prasad Bharadwaj is a distinguished exponent of Gamaka, a traditional art form of poetic recitation and storytelling unique to Karnataka. Based in Hosahalli, Shivamogga, he trained under the legendary Padma Shri awardee Keshavarnamurthy.
Bharadwaj holds a world record for completing a continuous 24-hour Gamaka recitation of the Kumaravyasa Bharata, an achievement recognized by both the India and Asia Book of Records. His work focuses on preserving and revitalizing this classical performance art, blending precise musical rhythm with narrative commentary to bring ancient literary epics to life for modern audiences.
Registration open
Questions about a Studio?
Reach out to the Studios Coordinator. Happy to talk through any of the courses, what to expect day-to-day, or whether a particular Studio fits where you are in your learning right now.
Studios Coordinator
Anand K Sharma
cu.studios@chanakyauniversity.edu.in
+91 88930 33233
Campus
Chanakya University Global Campus
NH-648, Haraluru–Polanahalli
Near Kempegowda Intl. Airport
Devanahalli, Bengaluru — 562165