Wed Mar 19 16:01:57 UTC 2025: ## Eminent Yakshagana Scholar B. Gopalakrishna Kurup Passes Away at 90
**Mangaluru, March 19, 2025:** Renowned Yakshagana scholar, teacher, and musician B. Gopalakrishna Kurup passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 90 in Nileshwar, Kasaragod, Kerala. Kurup, a recipient of the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award and the Udupi Yakshagana Kalaranga award, was a master of the maddale and chende drums, integral to Yakshagana performances.
A native of Kerala, Kurup had made his home in Shishila, Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada. His contributions to Yakshagana are significant, including his Kannada work, “Tenkutittu-Prathamika Yakshagana Patagalu,” a treatise on the Himmela style of Yakshagana. He also authored “Tenkutittu Yakshagana Maddale Vaadana Krama” and “Tenkutittu Yakshagana Chende Vaadana Krama,” focusing on the techniques of playing the maddale and chende respectively. His autobiography, “Chende-Maddalegala Naduve,” offers further insight into his life and work.
Kurup performed with several prominent Yakshagana troupes, including those from Dharmasthala, Ira, Ballambettu, and Karnataka Kalavihara. His dedication to preserving and furthering the art form is evident in his scholarly work, including “Ttittitte,” a study on Yakshagana rhythm.
Murali Kadekar, secretary of the Yakshagana Kalaranga, Udupi, and M. Gangadhar Rao, the organization’s president, expressed their condolences, highlighting Kurup’s lasting impact on Yakshagana. Kurup is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.
First Piper 