In Carnatic classical music, the three great composers Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri are collectively known as the Carnatic Music Trinity (Trimurti). Which one of the following musicians is a member of this Trinity?

Introduction / Context:
Carnatic music is the classical music tradition of South India, and its history is closely linked to a few towering composer-saints. Among them, three late-18th and early-19th century composers are so influential that they are collectively called the Carnatic Music Trinity, or Trimurti. This question tests whether you remember the names associated with that famous Trinity and can distinguish them from other important but different composers in Indian music history.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The Carnatic Music Trinity (Trimurti) consists of three specific composers.
• The names Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri form the historical Trinity.
• Other great composers such as Purandaradasa, Swathi Thirunal, Balamuralikrishna or Annamacharya are important but not part of this particular trio.
• We need to pick one musician who belongs to this Trinity.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is factual recall about classical music history. The Carnatic Music Trinity refers only to Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri. Any other name, even if famous in music, is outside this specific group. A quick mental association tip: all three Trinity composers were contemporaries based largely in Tamil Nadu, and their compositions are mostly in Telugu and Sanskrit with strong devotional themes.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Carnatic Music Trinity = Tyagaraja + Muthuswami Dikshitar + Syama Sastri. Step 2: Compare each option with this list of three names. Step 3: Notice that only Tyagaraja from the options is one of the Trinity members. Step 4: Confirm that Purandaradasa, Swathi Thirunal, Balamuralikrishna and Annamacharya, though eminent, are not counted among the formal Trinity. Step 5: Conclude that Tyagaraja is the correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick cross-check method is to remember short tags: Tyagaraja is often called a central pillar of the Trinity, Muthuswami Dikshitar is associated with many kritis on temples and deities, and Syama Sastri is known for his devotional works especially on Goddess Kamakshi. Any exam reference to Carnatic Music Trinity or Trimurti almost always revolves around these three names only, confirming that Tyagaraja is part of the group.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Purandaradasa: A much earlier composer, revered as the Father of Carnatic Music, but not one of the three Trinity composers.
Swathi Thirunal: A royal composer from Travancore and a major patron of music, yet not part of the established Trinity trio.
Balamuralikrishna: A modern-era vocalist and composer, extremely famous but not historically included in the Trinity.
Annamacharya: A saint-composer associated mainly with Tirumala and Telugu devotional songs, not one of the three Trinity names.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the Trinity with other honorary titles such as Father of Carnatic Music (Purandaradasa) or mix Trinity composers with later performing legends. Another common error is to think all great names listed together must all be members of the Trinity. In one-correct-option MCQs, always recall the exact standard trio instead of guessing based on fame alone.

Final Answer:
The musician who is a member of the Carnatic Music Trinity (Trimurti) is Tyagaraja.