The kingdom of Mysore, under the visionary reign of Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, has long been a center of cultural brilliance. His reign, from 1895 to 1940, was marked by tremendous challenges, yet his leadership ushered in a golden era for the arts. This Bharatanatyam recital aims to pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, whose support for music, dance, and culture helped shape Mysore into the cultural hub it remains today.
Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar’s patronage of the arts was both a personal passion and a vision for Mysore’s future. A king who understood the profound impact that art could have on society, he dedicated himself to the preservation and promotion of traditional Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam, and other cultural forms. His contributions went beyond just funding; he actively supported the establishment of cultural institutions, revitalized Dasara celebrations, and encouraged the development of classical arts in his kingdom. Through his efforts, he ensured that Mysore’s musical and dance traditions would not only survive but thrive.
The recital choreographed by Aakash Narasipur, brings to life the very essence of Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar’s legacy. Through Bharatanatyam, Aakash connects the past with the present, blending traditional dance with rare compositions from the Mysore royal court. These compositions, lost to time, are now revived, paying homage to a king whose commitment to the arts left an indelible mark on Mysore's cultural history.
The Bharatanatyam performance showcases compositions such as Nagma by Vidwan Sri. Veena Venkatagiriyappa, Devi Kriti by Vidwan Sri. Harikeshanallur Muthaiya Bhagavatar, Ganapathi Keerthane by H.H Maharaja Sri. Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar, Padavarna by Vidwan Sri. Tanjore Chinnaiah, Javali by Vidwan Sri. Veena Pattabhiramaiah, Keerthane by Vidwan Sri. Mysore Sadashiva Rao, Thillana by Vidwan VainikaShikamani Sri. Veene Sheshanna, Mangala by Sri PurandaraDasaru. Through Aakash’s choreography, few rare items are revived for the first time in a modern setting, bringing the royal heritage of Mysore on stage.
The Bharatanatyam recital is brought to life by an ensemble of talented musicians who contribute significantly to the performance’s richness. Vidwan Sri. Vinay Rajamaanya’s vocals lay the foundation for the dance, Vidwan Sri. G S Nagaraj’s mridangam provides the rhythmic pulse, and Vidushi Smt. Samhita Vinay’s nattuvangam sets the tempo for the dancers. Vidwan Sri. Ashwin Lakshminarayan on flute and Vidwan Sri. Srikanth Nittur on veene add depth and emotional resonance to the performance. Together, this group of musicians creates a harmonious collaboration. The program is hosted by Shilpa R Kowshik and Samreentayyaba M S, who will guide us through the recital and provide insights into Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar's legacy.
Aakash Narasipur, the choreographer, author & dancer, has spent over 25 years learning the art of Bharatanatyam, with a focus on reviving lost masterpieces, especially from Mysore. His dedication to preserving the traditions of the past, while embracing contemporary expressions of dance, makes his choreography an ideal medium for honoring Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar’s legacy. Through Sri Veena Narthana Shaale, the dance school he founded, Aakash continues to pass on these traditions to the next generation, ensuring that Mysore’s artistic heritage is never forgotten.
Sri Veena Narthana Shaale serves as a platform for aspiring dancers to learn not only the techniques of Bharatanatyam but also the deeper cultural significance of the compositions that defined the the heritage. Under Aakash’s guidance, the school strives to keep the art form alive, while also fostering creativity and innovation among its students.
As we reflect on the contributions of Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar to the arts, aim is to remind audience of the king's unwavering commitment to preserving Mysore’s cultural identity. His patronage and personal involvement in the arts ensured that music, dance, and art became integral parts of the kingdom’s development. His contributions are not only evident in the institutions he established but also in the legacy of Mysore’s culture that continues to flourish today.
This recital is not just a performance; it is a reflection of Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar’s vision, a celebration of the king’s enduring impact on the arts. Through the hard work and dedication of Aakash Narasipur and his team of musicians and dancers, we are able to witness the revival of Mysore’s artistic brilliance.
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