Shyamala Miss entered the class with a big smile. “Children, I have great news for you! Can you guess what it is?”
“Are you going to make us perform on stage?” asked Mukund.
“No, this is something more exciting,” said the teacher.
“Please tell us, we cannot bear the suspense,” said Laya.
“Okay. What do you all like to do the most?”
“Sing, watch movies, eat ice–cream, and play,” said the class.
“No. We are going on a musical tour!”
“Do you mean we will be singing in various places?” asked Mukund.
“No, we will be visiting places of musical interest. We will learn about these places and their connection with music or their contributions to Indian music,” said Shyamala Miss.
Excitement“Where are we going first?” they asked
“We will visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai — one of the largest temples which extols the virtues of South Indian architecture. It is of historical and cultural importance. Before we go, I want you to read about its musical connections so that we can discuss it in our next class. I will give you some hints. Can you name objects in temples which can produce music?”
“The bell,” shouted Laya.
“What about the figurines? I think the idols too,” said Rasa.
“You mean the singing figurines?’ questioned Mukund.
“No, please think. What are the structures you see in temples?’
“Pillars,” said Rasa.
“Very good, come prepared with more information which we can discuss it before we visit Madurai.
