Swathi Thirunal- Education
According to Hindu customs, a child’s educational journey typically commences with the Akshararambham ceremony (marking the initiation of formal education). As per Neetu Vol.12, page 152, the Akshararambham ceremony for Swathi Thirunal held in 994 ME/ 1819 AD. Other entries in Neetu include Vol.96, page 302 from 1820, detailing the salary provisions for Swathi Thirunal’s personal attendant, Ambalappuzha Rama Varma (250 panams per month and an annual grant of 360 panams). Additionally, the year 1823 AD witnesses the establishment of a Kalari (Gymnasium) near Sri Padathu Koyickal Palace for the physical training of Swathi Thirunal and Uthram Thirunal, as recorded in Neetu Vol. 16, page 49.
The Hajoor Thirattu of 1000 ME pertains to compensating Kochunarayana Panicker for making a ‘Maddalam’ for Swathi Thirunal to play (Thirumanassilekku Vaayikkunnathinu). The thread-bearing ceremony (Upanayanam) of Swathi Thirunal is documented in Neetu Vol.19, page 231 (1003 ME/1828 AD). According to R. P. Raja, this ceremony took place on January 28, 1828, at Karupu Koyikkal, the current location of the Sivasakthi Kalyana Mandapam.
His initial instructor in Malayalam and Sanskrit was Harippad Kizhakkedath Kochupilla Warrier. According to Neetu dated ME 999, on the 28th day of Makaram, he received a salary of 100 panams per month (approximately Rs. 15). Notably, Harippad Kizhakkedath Kochupilla Warrier lived from 1785 to 1839, and his name was suggested by Swathi Thirunal’s father, a suggestion accepted by Irayimman Thampi. During Swathi Thirunal’s tour of north Travancore, he visited Warrier’s residence, Kizhakkedath Varyam. Warrier is credited as the author of “Urvasi Swayamvaram,” featuring songs in ragas such as Padi, Gopika Vasantham, Dvijavanthi, Maradhanasi, Indisa, Navarasam, Desakshi, and Puraneera.
Following this, Swathi’s education continued under the guidance of his father. In another Neetu dated 995 Kumbham 15th, records indicate a monthly payment of Rs. 450 to an English Munshi for teaching Swathi English. Furthermore, historical records reveal payments of Rs. 70 per month to two munshis—one from Chennai for teaching Portuguese (Paranthrees) and another named Syed Moytheen for Persian tutorial. Additionally, a scholar named Muhammed Ali was engaged for advanced studies in Persian.
Palace musicians themselves provided music lessons, with Karamana Subramonya Bhagavathar being the most prominent among them. His remuneration, as per records from 1005 ME, was approximately Rs. 30 per month.
His inclination towards music at a very young age was witnessed only through the accounts of individuals who had heard about Swathi as a tiny toddler crawling to the side of his aunt while she played the Veena and practiced vocal.
Source: Swathi Thirunal- A Composer Born to a Mother by Dr. Achuthsankar S. Nair