Pramoda Devi inaugurates talk on “Wodeyars – The Patrons of Music (1638-1947)” by Dr. Meera Rajaram Pranesh

Mysore/Mysuru: Noted Musicologist Dr. Meera Rajaram Pranesh said that Arts, Literature and Music, which were totally neglected during the rule of Tipu Sultan, were revived by the erstwhile Mysore rulers.

She was delivering a talk  on the topic “Wodeyars – The Patrons of Music (1638-1947)”  at a programme organised by HH Sri Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar Foundation at Jaganmohan Palace here on Sunday.

Maintaining that many musicians and artistes left Mysuru as they got no encouragement during  Tipu Sultan’s era, Dr. Meera Rajaram said that but in the later days, Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar revived Arts, Music and Literature by promoting them in a big scale.

Continuing, she said that Mummadi, himself a music scholar, had composed music on Goddess Chamundeshwari. Noting that Mummadi used to take part in concerts as an ordinary music lover, she said the erstwhile Mysore ruler used to appoint musicians who attracted him in concerts, as ‘Asthana Vidwan.’

After Mummadi, it was Chamaraja Wadiyar X, who promoted music and gave shelter to top musicians of the times such as Bidaram Krishnappa and others. Chamaraja Wadiyar X also gave opportunities to musicians from other countries to perform during Dasara and Vardhanti Utsava.

Noting that the era of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar can be termed as a golden period, she said that the erstwhile Mysore ruler was so proficient in music that he used to find out any lapses in music. He also gave equal attention to all other forms of Arts, Dr. Meera Rajaram added.

Earlier, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of Mysore Royal family inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp.