Classical dance, of the Wodeyar Era

For classical dance buffs, Sunday, Feb 24 will be a memorable evening at the Gayana Samaja, where Kaishiki Natyavahini, an organization dedicated to classical dance, will present Nruthya Sandhya, in memory of Mummadi Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar and his dynasty for their patronage to the art of classical dances of Karnataka. According to the organizers, the program will recreate the dance numbers that enthralled the art lovers of Mysore Durbar and temples.

“It’s basically a tribute to the Wodeyars of Mysore,” said one of the organizers. “It was during the reign of Sri Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar that the classical dance form first took shape and his successors nourished it to bring about the golden era of classical dance. Then the abolition of Devadasi system and monarchy proved to be a setback to the dance art, but fortunately the core was intact and the renaissance attempts by Gurus Bharatakalamani Radhakrishna, U.S. Krishna Rao and Chandrabhagadevi and master innovator Natyacharya

Subramanya Kaushik prevented the extinction of dance art in Karnataka.”

It’s a throwback to the Wodeyar days when the king’s durbars resonated to the sound of music and dance. For a peek into history, check in to the Gayana Samaj, Sunday.