MULTILINGUAL AUTHOR & COLUMNIST
Articulating rhythm and culture across languages and audiences
Erickavu N. Sunil is a distinguished multilingual author and columnist, recognized for his authoritative writings on Mridangam, Carnatic rhythmology, and Indian classical music. Writing in both English and Malayalam, he bridges scholarship and accessibility, translating complex rhythmic knowledge into compelling literature for students, researchers, performers, and cultural readers worldwide.
RESOUNDING MRIDANGAM: THE MAJESTIC SOUTH-INDIAN DRUM (2021)
Sunil's landmark English publication, "RESOUNDING MRIDANGAM: The Majestic South-Indian Drum", is widely regarded as a definitive contemporary work on the art, science, history, and aesthetics of the Mridangam. The title combines rigorous research with practitioner insight. The book has been divided into 8 chapters.
- The South Indian Classical Music
- The Musical Instruments
- Mridangam - Evolution & History
- Bani - The Playing Traditions
- Mridangam - The Structure & Components
- The Physics of Mridangam
- The Tala Systems
- The Great Masters
Internationally referenced and academically adopted, Resounding Mridangam is now part of the syllabus for graduate and postgraduate music programmes at various universities, affirming its scholarly credibility and pedagogical relevance in Indian classical percussion studies.
Available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XXZXRDY
MATTOLIKKOLLUNNA MRIDANGAM (2025)
In Malayalam, Sunil authored "MATTOLIKKOLLUNNA MRIDANGAM", a comprehensive and culturally rooted volume published by the Kerala Bhasha Institute. This work contextualizes the Mridangam within Kerala's intellectual and artistic traditions while maintaining academic depth.
The book serves as a vital resource for Malayalam-speaking students, researchers, and practitioners, expanding access to structured knowledge in Carnatic rhythmology and percussion literature. Through this publication, Sunil contributes significantly to regional scholarship while reinforcing the importance of native-language academic discourse in classical arts.
Available through Kerala Bhasha Institute:
https://keralabhashainstitute.org/app/products/669/0/Maatolikkollunna-Mridangam.html
SCHOLARLY ARTICLES AND CULTURAL COMMENTARY
Beyond his books, Sunil has contributed extensively to respected journals and publications, strengthening academic and public engagement with rhythm studies:
- Published a scholarly Malayalam article in Keli, the bi-monthly journal of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, Thrissur.
- Contributed an English article to Sasthram Munnottu, the bilingual scholarly journal of Sasthra Vedhi, Thiruvananthapuram.
- Authored a special feature on the legendary Mridangam maestro T. K. Murthy, published on the editorial page of Kerala Kaumudi, marking his centenary milestone.
VOICE ACROSS LANGUAGES
Through his books, articles, and columns, Sunil demonstrates the power of multilingual scholarship in reaching diverse audiences. His writings articulate rhythm not only as a musical phenomenon but also as a cultural and intellectual discourse, making him a respected voice in both academic and public spheres.