Karaikudi  R.Mani  is one of the cultural ambassadors of India, as a Mridangam player and an innovator in the field of Rhythm in South Indian Classic music.

Mani was born on 11/09/1945  at  Karaikudi  to Sri.T.Ramanatha Iyer and Smt.Pattammal.

Mani had his initial training in Mridangam under Karaikudi Sri.Rangu Iyengar and  later  under Sri. T.R.Harihara Sharma and Sri.K.M.Vaidyanathan

Mani received his first award when he was 18,at National level from Dr.Radhakrishnan, the President of India.Mani who has been keeping himself away from various awards,titles etc,which came on his way from 1963.From when he won his first award he accepted now the "SANGEET NATAK ACADEMY" NATIONAL AWARD for 1998.

By his total dedication and involvement in the art a new dimension emerged in Mridangam playing through Mani which later came to be known as Karaikudi R.Mani style (BANI) which has become so acclaimed and attractive that even artists and students belonging to other school have started adopting this style.

Mani has under him directly,around 1200 disciples all over the world.

SRUTHILAYA a novel percussion ensemble founded by mani, has been giving Performances all over the globe. This is a troupe Consisting of top ranking artistes in percussion instruments of india with Mridangam in the forefront collaborating with similar artists of the Australian Art Orchestra in the Jazz form, headed by MR.PAUL GROBOWSKY, Australia and with MR.EEROHAMEENNIEMI of Nada,Finland.


SRUTHI LAYA SEVA TRUST AND SRUTHI LAYA KENDRA founded by Mani, a premier institution dedicated exclusively for the cause of Music and musicians,first of its kind to be run by a percussionist,is now having sub-centers all over the globe i.e in 4 cities in India  (Chennai,Mysore,Chalakudi and Hyderabad),Australia,U.K and Germany.

LAYAMANI LAYAM, a bi-monthly magazine on music and Dance of which Mani is the Chief Editor,is having an international circulation. Mani was the pioneer in projecting Mridangam as capable of recognition as a main instrument on the dais,by successfully staging solo concerts. Mani has played in concerts to all the leading musicians of South India. Mani has innovated a new dimension of presenting Rhythm in a visual form on the dais through Bharathanatyam.

He has founded an institution named "SRUTHI LAYA KENDRA NATARAJAALAYA" with Smt Rajeswari Sainath a Niece of Karaikudi R.Mani a leading Bharathanatyam exponent as its Director which prodeces ensembles bringing Melody, Rhythm and Dance together.


Mani has still on the mission with multiplied determination and enthusiasm, of propagating the value of Rhythm in music and the role of Mridangam in Rhythm.