Palghat Mani Iyer (June 12th 1912 - 29th May, 1981) , Considered one of the greatest Mridangam artiste of all times, his real name was Ramaswamy. Was instrumental in uplifting the professional status of percussion accompanists particularly.

He was born to Sesha Bhagavathar and Anantammal in Tiruvilvamalai on June 12th 1912. His father was a Bhagavathar. Son T.R.Rajamani is an accomplished Mrudangist, another son, TR Rajaram is a violinist.Daughter Lalita Sivakumar ( Daughter in law of Smt D.K.Pattammal) is a vocalist and composes too. Grandchildren Ramprasad and Nityasha.

His gurus were Chattapuram Subbayyar, KS Viswanatha Iyer of Kalpathi, Tanjore Vaidyanatha Iyer.

Well known artists like Palghat Raghu, Umayalpuram Sivaraman, TR Kamalakar Rao, Late Tanjavur Upendran, Tanjavur Ramdas, KV Narayanaswami(Vocalist) were the students of Palakkad Mani Iyer.

He bagged Sangita Natak Academy Award in 1956, Sangita Kalanidhi from the Music Academy in 1966, Chennai, Isai Perarignar from the Tamil Isai Sangam in 1968, Padma Bhushan from the Govt. Of India in 1971.