Daijiworld Media Network - Brahmavar

Brahmavar, Aug 4: Veteran Yakshagana guru, senior maddale artiste and renowned Ganesh idol sculptor Krishna Swamy Jois passed away in the early hours of Tuesday. He was 75.

A resident of 'Yaksha Sourabha' on Matapady Road in Chantaru village, Jois had been suffering from a brief illness. He breathed his last at around 1.35 am.

He is survived by his wife, son, daughter and a large number of relatives, admirers and disciples from the Yakshagana fraternity.

Krishna Swamy Jois was regarded as one of the most respected figures in Yakshagana and possessed deep knowledge of the traditional art form. He shared close associations with several legendary artistes, including the late Kalinga Navada, and was known for his expertise in the finer nuances of Yakshagana performance and percussion.

Apart from being an accomplished maddale player and Yakshagana teacher, he was also widely recognised for crafting Ganesh idols.

His mortal remains have been kept at his residence, 'Yaksha Sourabha', in Chantaru for the public and admirers to pay their last respects.