Veena Dhanammal was born in George Town, Chennai into a family of musicians and dancers in 1867. Her great grandmother, grandfather, and her own mother were all accomplished musicians in their own right. She learned veena and vocal music from renowned teachers. She was supreme in playing the veena with refinement. Her heritage, her pre-eminence, her personality and her life style evoked reverence and awe. She passed away on 15th October 1938.