Sheik Chinna Moulana

Sheik Chinna Moulana (12 May 1924, in Karavadi, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh – 13 April 1999, in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu), popularly known as Sheik, was a legendary nadhaswaram player in the Carnatic tradition. He was awarded the Madras Music Academy's Sangeetha Kalanidhi in 1998. He achieved high position through his outstanding control over the instrument, rendering the Krities in the Gayaki style and for his extraordinary style of Raga Alapana.

Sheik Chinna Moulana hails from a family of music (nadhaswaram players). The ancient and traditional art of nadhaswaram playing had been preserved and fostered by the ancestors of Sheik Chinna Moulana, for the past 300 years. Following is list of the doyens who contributed to Chinna Moulana's tradition.

1. Vidhwan Adam Sahib – known for his expertise in the "Ragha – Devagandhari".

2. Vidhwan RasavAripalem Kasim sahib – deeply learned and could answer any doubts on music.

3. Kommur Pitcha sahib – enriched the art of Nadhaswaram.

4. Vidhwan Chinna Moula Sahib and Pedda Moula Sahib brothers- Chinna Moula was well versed in Sanskrit epics like Ramayanam and Amaram and could expound these epics in Telugu.

5. The Kommur brothers Pentu Sahib and Silar sahib – were called geniuses for the Raghas Kalyani, Bilahari & Kedharagowla.

6. Chinna Peeru Sahib and Peddha Peeru Sahib Brothers – were famous for their proficiency in the Raghas Saveri and Abheri. Chinna Peeru was honoured with the title 'Nadha Brahma".