It is difficult to point out a distinct tradition of classical music exclusively belonging to Kerala apart from Karnatic music, which is the music of the entire South India. Sopanam music is more a style of singing than a tradition by itself. As in other parts of South India, Karnatic music is widely practiced all over Kerala. There are also well-known centers for the teaching of music in different parts of the state. Many musicians from Kerala have made their mark in the field of Karnatic music. Among the many stalwarts who made substantial contributions to the development of music and other arts, Maharaja Swati Thirunal (1813-1847) stands out as a versatile prodigy who compressed in a short life of thirty-four years stupendous achievements in a variety of channels of activity. He was a poet, philosopher, playwright, musician, composer, and connoisseur of painting, sculpture. The theory and practice of Karnatic music found their fulfillment in his unfolding. Music, Bharata Natyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali among other arts and crafts gathered great momentum during his short reign. Swati Thirunal passed away in the same year as Tyagaraja, a prince among musicians and a musician among princes, his contribution to Indian music in general and to Karnatic music in particular has been truly phenomenal.