श्री.माधव गडकरी लिखित हा लेख 1990s शतकात लोकसत्ता या.वृत्तपत्रात प्रसिद्ध झाला तेव्हाचे मुख्यमंत्री माननीय श्री.शरद पवार यांच्या तंजावर भेटी नंतर

Loksatta article written by Madhav Gadkari after the then CM of Maharashtra, Sharad Pawar’s visit to Thanjavur, Tamilnadu.

करावलंबन:

तंजावरला भेट देणारे महाराष्ट्आचे दुसरे मुख्यमंत्री श्री.शरदरावजी ,पवारांचे बहुसंख्य मराठी व तामील भाषीकांनी खूप आनंदाने आदरातित्थ केले. मुख्यमंत्रींना मराठीत मानपत्र दिले.”ऐन वेली मुख्यमंत्री’नी पाच लाख रूप ए देणगीने आम्हाला करावलंबन दिले.असा उल्हेख आहे.

माणूस जिथे जातो तिथे आपली मूल संसकृती घेउन जातो आणि ती टिकवून धरतो.भाषा हे संसकृतीचे मुख्य वाहन असते.त्यातूएन तो कधी उतरत नाही. . तंजावरला छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराजांचे बंधु व्यंकोजीराजेंनी संत रामदासांनाही नेले होते.तीथेत्यांचे आठ मठ आहेत.

प्रत्येक समाजाची एक अभिप्राय वही असते . त्यात 1935 मधे आचार्य काका कालेकर यांचे भेटीचा उल्हेख आहे.. 31 डिसेंबरल 19४0 रोजी विर सावरकरांचे भेटीचा उल्हेख आहे..दै.अ.का.प्रियोलकरांनी लिहिलेला हा अभिप्राय आहे.

इतिहाससंशोधकांनी जेथे जाऊन खूप करावयास हवे होते तेथे कुणी गेले नाही. तंजावरकडे आपण इतके दुरलक्ष का केले हे कलत नाही. दोन वेडी माणसे नेहमी तंजावरबद्धल बोलत असत. के.टी. देशमुख आणि .ज.स.सुखटणकर.मराठी रंगभूमीचा मूल स्रोत शोधत ते तेथे गेले आणि सरस्वती महालाचे भांडार त्यांनी लोकापुढे मांडले.आज ते हयात नाहीत. काल (समय) निघुन जातो.ज्या गोष्टी वेलेवर घडायला हव्यात त्या घडत नाहीत.याची खंत वाटते.

खंत वाटन्याचे मुख्य कारण असे की सरस्वती महालात 1000 हून अधिक रूमाल वाचणे साठी मोडी जाणणारे हवेत.ही मागणी फार जुनी आहे. 25 वर्षा पूरवी ती पुरी करताही आली असती.रूमाल ह्मणजे रूमालात बांधलेला कागदाचा गठ्ठा.या रूमालात मोडीत लिहिलेला मजकूर नेमका काय आहे हे सर्वांनाच जाणून घ्यायचा आहे.दत्तो वामन पोतदार किंवा पुणेचे इतिहाससंशोधक यांनी त्यासमयीच मोडी वीर पाठवावयास हवे होते.केंद्राकडे ते नाहीत हे समजू शकते परंतु महाराष्टा कडेही ते नसावेत?

तंजावरचे काम लहान सहान नाही.चार दिवस जाणारेंचे हातून ते होणार नाही. संसकृत, मराठी, तमिलतेलगू, इंग्रजी, आणि इतर अनेक भाषेतील ग्रंथांची संख्या विपुल आहेत व ती ग्रंथालय संन्सथेने प्रसिद्ध केली आहेत. सबंध जगातील मूल कागद पत्रअसलेल्या ख्यातनाम संग्रहालयातील एक म्हणून हे ग्रंथालय ओलखतात.सबंध जगातून संशोधक तेथे जातात. या संग्रहालयाचे वर्नण ‘repository of ancient wisdom’ असे केले आहे.१७९८–१८३२ या अवधित सरफोजीमहाराज दुसरे यांनी हे वैभव उभे केले.अनेक पुस्तकावर त्यांच्या सह्या आहेत. ते उत्तम वाचक होते. छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराजांचे बंधूंनी व्यंकोजी (एकोजी)महाराजांनी तंजावर उभे केले.

मराठी विभाग:

तमिलनाडू विद्यापीठात मराठीची एक चेअर विभाग असावा अशी सूचना पूढे आली आहे .अमेरिकेतील विद्यापीठात मराठी विभाग आहेत .अशा परिस्थितीत तंजावरच्या तमिल विद्यापीठात आपण काही करू शकलो तर तेथील मराठी समाज मराठी भाषा ,तिचा नव्या पिढीने करावयाचा अभ्यास यांचे कायम स्वरूपाचे नाते राहील.सबंध तमिलनाडूत ५०००० हजाराहून अधिक मराठी लोक आहेत..

ज्या जिंजीला शेवटी राजाराम महाराज स्वर्गवासी झाले ते गाव तंजावर पासून १००मैलावर आहे.जिंजीच्या वेढ्याचा इतिहास विचारात घेतल्याशिवाय मोगल. पराभवाची.मीमांसा होऊ शकत. नाही. .इतिहास. विसरणे आणि भूगोल माहीत नसणे या मुले अनेक इतिहासकालीन महत्वाचे दुवे जगासमोर आले नाहित.

श्री.माधव गडकरी लिखित हा लेख 1990s शतकात लोकसत्ता या.वृत्तपत्रात प्रसिद्ध झाला तेव्हाचे मुख्यमंत्री माननीय श्री.शरद पवार यांच्या तंजावर भेटी नंतर

The then CM of Maharashtra, Sharad Pawar ji landed to Thanjavur, Tamilnadu.

My mother (left) and Sumithra Kaki raje (right) accompanying Prathiba Pawar (seen behind), wife of Sharad Pawar at Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji’s Saraswati Mahal Library (TMSSML). Sharad Pawar ji is seen behind Prathiba Pawar ji.

© serfojimemorialhall.com

Jai Shivaray

Paying homage to Shivaray at Raigad fort.

Even if there were a sword in the hands of everyone, it is will power that establishes a Government.

-Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj-.

Jagadishwar Temple on Raigad fort.

Two years back, a Non Maratha classical dancer from Pune, asked me a question – WHY you all Marathas are in politics and are dominant in Maharashtra politics?

Pune University.

(WHY ,WHY , WHY ???? is the pattern of asking questions for certain community/casteist or intelligent people in our society. If we say, we want to eat because we are hungry, they will raise question asking WHY we want to eat and why we are hungry ?🤣. Certain people without any logic ask or raise questions just to show or prove that their community or caste is superior than others.)

The answer what I gave was ‘We have will power to establish our government’. And most important, we treat everyone equally whatever may our position in political background or profession is.

Two days back, a mawla sent me the above quote of Shivaji Maharaj and I realised that, answers for odd questions – comes spontaneously on keen observations.

“People target those who are young. They try to manipulate or drain them. Experience and guidance is needed to handle and tackle such kind of so called ‘intelligent’ devil minded people”.

Having intelligence or smartness is not enough, you should be brave, bold and have guts to show that towards the people of your same category and age, not towards those who are in their tender age or emotionally weak. You should not be coward or buffoon to show your strength or cruelty against those who are younger to you or powerless/innocent.

Be Bold, Not Coward.

“Freedom is a boon, which everyone has the right to receive”- Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharajah.

Jai Hind! Jai Shivaray! Jai Maratha! Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai.

Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji.

#Shivjayanti2020 #Throwbackpic

Shared this post and my view three years back 👇

#Repost

I want to clarify one thing for sharing this post. I am not against any caste or religion, I am against discrimination. We all are one and we are Indians. If there are still racists/casteists in our surroundings showing racism/casteism in the name of caste, religion, skin color or discriminating based on one’s wealth, lifestyle etc; then they are non Indians, they are those elements who are dominating, humiliating, degrading, Insulting our Indians and our constitution, by not obeying the law that is framed for its citizen’s self respect and dignity. We are in 21st Century where untouchability and caste system are not encouraged by educated majorities.

#HopingForChange #BeEducatedNotUncivilised #GetExposure #Growup #StopRacism #WeAllAreOne #WeAreIndians #StopRacialDiscrimination

Posted on 24/2/20👇

Wishing Chatrapathi Udayan Kaka raje a happy birthday.

Showing Chhatrapati Udayan kaka raje his photographs that were published in my book ‘Contributions Of Thanjavur Maratha Kings- 2nd Edition‘. He was so surprised and delighted after seeing his pictures. That was an unforgettable moment in my life 🤩😃😀🙏.

Photo courtesy: Kunal Khole.

Perfect order:

• Goddess Bhavani
• Shiv mudra
• Shivaray

Jai Bhavani! Jai Shivaji

Contest Alert!

Do participate and win a surprise gift.

Post a Photo of your #Shivjayanti celebration and tag us on Instagram or facebook.

Instagram: @princelytanjore.

Facebook: Mention our page’s name , Maharajah Serfoji 2 memorial hall museum, sadar mahal palace Thanjavur and message us the link.

Use hashtag: #PrincelyTanjore, #Shivjayanti2020 .

Selected two best photographs will win a surprise gift.

Contest open from 15-21 Feb, 2020.

Regards,

serfojimemorialhall.com

Jai Shivaray

Posted on 25/2/20

Vipāssana Meditation Course for ten days. 100th Post 😀.

Will you able to live without using your smart phone, talking or having eye contact with any individual for 10 days?. You might be thinking about what I am saying.

There are very less people in our society or well sophisticated circle who can achieve 10 days without talking or having eye contact with others, using electronic gadgets., especially their smart phone, partying, eating non veg and keep on meditating from 4 a.m to 9 p.m. I am one among them who had achieved.

From my batch in Vipāssana meditation course, many students ran away before completing 10 days because they were finding it too difficult and hard. I thought, i would also be one among them, but I challenged, as i have the habit of challenging the difficult tasks and give my best to overcome or achieve it. For the first three days, it was too hard and difficult for me. But after three days, i tried to overcome the discomfortness i felt and i succeed completing 10 days. I discovered one thing in me, at that time- I had Patience 😃, The most important and essential quality that one should have in his or her life. On that fine day I too realised that one of my strength is within. i.e I can get adapted to any kind of circumstances, adjust and stay at a place after getting use to it. In our society, mostly people from well sophisticated backgrounds, run away from the places where they are not able to get adapted or change the place which is not expected according to their needs or comfort. We can’t expect everything to be the same once we are out of our home, sometimes we have to change ourselves or get adapted to the place or environment where we are in. Being stubborn will never help us to survive nor helps us to grow.

Meditation and Yoga is not new to me. I use to practice it from my childhood,but not regularly or daily.

After a very long gap- I practiced Vipāssana meditation, it is somewhat similar to other meditation techniques. It is based on Buddhist idealism.

Dhamma Thali, Jaipur. Mobile photography. © Image copyrights reserved.

Ancient Buddha statue (12-14th Century CE) from Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. Now kept in Maratha Durbar Hall, Thanjavur.

Vipāssana meditation is one of the India’s most ancient meditation technique,rediscovered by Gautama Buddha more than 2500 years ago.

Vipāssana is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. 2500 years ago it was re-discovered by the Gautama Buddha and taught by him as a universal remedy for universal ills. At first the technique flourished in India but gradually it became corrupted,lost its efficacy and disappeared from the land of its origin. Fortunately the neighbouring country of Burma preserved the original form of Vipāssana through the millennia. Since 1969 it has been re-introduced into India, where it is now striking deep roots.

Vipāssana is a Pāli word meaning insight, seeing things as they really are. It is not a blind faith or philosophy, and has nothing to do with sectarian religion. Instead Vipāssana is a practical method that can be applied by anyone of average intelligence. Its goal is to purify the mind, to eliminate the tensions and negativities that make us miserable.

Dhamma Thali, Mobile photography. ©Image copyrights reserved.

Vipāssana mediation is taught by Shri Sathya Narayan Goenka and his assistant teachers. 10 days course are held regularly in different parts of India and abroad. People come to camps/centres from every caste, community and background. For ten days they live together in harmony, intent on acquiring this ancient spiritual treasure of India.

Dhamma Thali, Jaipur. Mobile photography. ©Image copyrights reserved.

When it comes to Vipāssana meditation, the article or write-up is incomplete without mentioning or saying about Sri Sathyanarayan Goenka (S.N Goenka), the man who taught this technique and reintroduced to India.

S.N Goenka was born in Mandalay, Myanmar in 1924. Although he topped the list of all successful candidates in the whole of Myanmar in the tenth class he could not continue his studies further because of financial constraints of his family. At a very early age he set up many commercial and industrial institutions and earned fabulous wealth. He also established many Social and cultural centres. Because of tension he became a victim of migraine, which could not be cured by doctors of Myanmar and of other countries in the world. Then some one suggested him to take a course of Vipāssana. Vipāssana has done well not only to him but it has also been benefiting many others.

He learned Vipāssana from Sayagyi U Ba Khin in 1955. Sitting at the feet of his teacher he practiced it for fourteen years. He also studied the words do the Buddha during this period. He came to India in 1969 and conducted the first Vipāssana course in Mumbai. After that a series of courses were held. In 1976 the first residential course of Vipāssana was held in Igatpuri and the first centre of Vipāssana was established here. Up till now 200 plus centres has been established all over the world. There are thousands of trained teachers teach Vipāssana in all languages that exist in the world. All courses are free of charge. The expenses on food and accommodation etc are met by the self willed Dana (donation) given by those who benefited from the course. Seeing its benevolent nature Vipāssana courses is held not only for the inmates of jails and school children in the world but also for police personnels, judges, government officers etc.

Dhamma Thali, Jaipur campus. Mobile photography.© image copyrights reserved.

To enrol for Vipāssana meditation- 10 days course, you have to apply online on their website, they have centers at many States in India and also in abroad. Igatpuri center is told to be the largest one.

Dhamma Thali Jaipur campus. In the campus- Peacocks, monkies, different kind of birds can be spotted.

During the 10 days course the student should follow the below instructions strictly:

Noble Silence

All students must observe Noble Silence from the beginning of the course until the morning of the last full day. Noble Silence means silence of body, speech, and mind. Any form of communication with fellow student, whether by gestures, sign language, written notes, etc., is prohibited.

Students may, however, speak with the teacher whenever necessary and they may approach the management with any problems related to food, accommodation, health, etc. But even these contacts should be kept to a minimum. Students should cultivate the feeling that they are working in isolation.

Separation of Men and Women

Complete segregation of men and women is to be maintained. Couples, married or otherwise, should not contact each other in any way during the course. The same applies to friends, members of the same family, etc.

Physical Contact

It is important that throughout the course there be no physical contact whatsoever between persons of the same or opposite sex.

Yoga and Physical Exercise

Although physical yoga and other exercises are compatible with Vipassana, they should be suspended during the course because proper secluded facilities are not available at the course site. Jogging is also not permitted. Students may exercise during rest periods by walking in the designated areas.

Religious Objects, Rosaries, Crystals, Talismans, etc.

No such items should be brought to the course site. If brought inadvertently they should be deposited with the management for the duration of the course.

Intoxicants and Drugs

No drugs, alcohol, or other intoxicants should be brought to the site; this also applies to tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and all other sedatives. Those taking medicines or drugs on a doctor’s prescription should notify the teacher.

Tobacco

For the health and comfort of all students, smoking, chewing tobacco, and taking snuff are not permitted at the course.

Food

It is not possible to satisfy the special food preferences and requirements of all the meditators. Students are therefore kindly requested to make do with the simple vegetarian meals provided. The course management endeavors to prepare a balanced, wholesome menu suitable for meditation. If any students have been prescribed a special diet because of ill-health, they should inform the management at the time of application. Fasting is not permitted.

Clothing

Dress should be simple, modest, and comfortable. Tight, transparent, revealing, or otherwise striking clothing (such as shorts, short skirts, tights and leggings, sleeveless or skimpy tops) should not be worn.

Outside Contacts

Students must remain within the course boundaries throughout the course. They may leave only with the specific consent of the teacher. No outside communications is allowed before the course ends. This includes letters, phone calls and visitors. Cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices must be deposited with the management until the course ends. In case of an emergency, a friend or relative may contact the management.

Music, Reading and Writing

The playing of musical instruments, radios, etc. is not permitted. No reading or writing materials should be brought to the course. Students should not distract themselves by taking notes. The restriction on reading and writing is to emphasize the strictly practical nature of this meditation.

Recording Devices and Cameras

These may not be used except with the express permission of the teacher.

(courtesy for the instructions: Their official website)

To gain something or to bring a change in ourselves, we have to compromise or adjust our lifestyle/ comfortness for a short period of time.

I would recommend everyone to attend 10 days Vipāssana meditation course for atleast once in their lifetime. I will assure and guarantee that changes will definitely happen and it will help to get rid of sufferings which distracts or disturbs the day to day life.

With my batchmates after the completion of 10 days Vipāssana meditation course at Dhamma Thali, Jaipur👇

Wishing you all a Happy Sankranti (Pongal). Many Iyers and Iyengars who were working with Thanjavur Palace were flourished and patronised by Maratha Kings and Princes.

Kapaleshwara temple on the evening of Pongal. #Boomerang

Posted on 15/1/2020

Photo duration: 1960s

Photo description: My great grandfather, H.H Prince Pratapa simha Rajah Bhosle with his grand childrens. Seated next to H.H on left is Ram Patankar kaka Raje from Kolhapur, he owns the famous ‘Hotel Tourist’, which is told to be one of the oldest hotel in Kolhapur; seated on right is Vijay sinh Maloji Raje Bhosle from Pune; beside him on right is Shree Sambhaji Kaka Raje, my father’s own younger brother; behind standing is my atya Raje, Saveeta Amar sinh Raje Deshmukh from Amravati., B.Com, M.Com, L.L.B, LLM etc is her graduation; Standing behind Ram Patankar Kaka Raje is Veerandra Kaka Raje, my father’s own younger brother; next to him, i.e behind my great grandfather, a man standing is Krishna Iyengar. He was the P.A and accountant of my great grandfather. He was gifted lands from my great grandfather’s share for his work and sincerity.Many Iyers and Iyengars who were working with Thanjavur palace were flourished and patronised by Maratha Kings and Princes.

Posted on 16/1/2020

Facebook screenshot.

There are some set of people- because of their ill-treatment or Discrimation towards others, we consider or think that their whole caste or race is casteist or racist.

In today’s generation, people or youngsters are not aware or don’t know anything about their past history, roots or lineage. Only few are left who are still grateful for the patronage, their ancestors or community has been benefited from erstwhile Kings or Noble sardars.

In 21st century, some so called intelligents or politicians who had come to fame by licking their leader’s feet, ask for proof to prove Royal’s identity. But such so called intellects or politicians may not have any proofs of who their forefathers were nor anything about their lineage.

Even Mahatma Gandhi- who is called the father of our nation, didn’t asked for proof from any royals to confirm their identity because he knewed the history and lineage of royal families of India nor he compared himself to any eminent King.

In today’s time period, where majority are a ‘tree without roots’ – there are also few people left who are very grateful for the history or patronage that are associated with/for/to their community or caste from erstwhile Kings or patrons. Even we are grateful to them for not forgetting the past and for the bond they have with us 🙏🙏.

No one can be compared to our god on this earth. He is one and only. Paid or intentionally motivated writers should have adequate knowledge and sense before comparing Shivaray to someone in this world.

आम्ही आदराची मागणी करीत नाही, आम्ही आदर आज्ञा करतो. आमच्या स्वराज्यात योगदान देणारे आणि लोकांचे / लोकांचे अनेक प्रकारे आणि समाजात हित साधणारे राजे भोंसले यांचे वंशज असल्याचा आम्हाला अभिमान आहे. आमच्याबद्दल बोलण्यापूर्वी प्रथम आमच्याबद्दल जाणून घ्या. अद्याप कोणीही आपल्या महान पूर्वजांशी स्वत: ची तुलना करण्यासाठी जन्म घेतलेला नाही, ज्याला आपण देव मानतो.

जय मराठा. छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज की जय. जय शिवराय.

We don’t demand respect, we command respect. We are proud to be the descendents of the Raje Bhonsles who had contributed to our Swarajya and benefitted people/public in many ways and to our society. Before talking about us, know about us first. Even no one has yet born to compare himself to our great ancestor, who we consider as god.

Jai Maratha. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai. Jai Shivaray.

My blog turns 3 on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti (14/1/2020) 🥰🤩😊☺️

Wishing you all a happy Makar Sankranti (Pongal).

Today is the three anniversary of my WordPress blog and 97 articles has been posted so far.

Last year on its second anniversary, i took a resolution that i will reach 100 posts before its third anniversary. But unfortunately target missed and i was too close to reach a century.

Writing is an art. A writer has to expand his/her network, travel, talk and interact with people of different backgrounds, participate, explore, come out of his/her comfort zone to get ideas or content on the subject that he/she wanted or is suppose to write.

Early morning exercises like running, walking etc is enough for improving your skills for writing.It helps to generate your creativity and innovative ideas. Good writers can change the odds in the society. Encourage writing, that can benefit our society and an individual. Ignore and do not encourage or motivate writings that are negative, spreading hatred or criticizing/mocking someone. These are just an entertainment that never last long, it will not benefit others or to the society. Writing informative or your experience is always the best that can educate or benefit others. Do not expect anything in return for sharing your knowledge or experience. You will get what is deserved for you in right time ☺️😊.

May you be blessed with good health,good luck, peace, Joy, happiness and prosperity.

Regards,

Prataprpb.wordpress.com

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Tanjore painting at Chennai international airport. #Mobile_Photography

Panoramic view of renovated Dev Ghar [Marathi word]/pooja room of Sadar Mahal Palace, Thanjavur. This Dev ghar is more than 200 years old.

Padma Shri Narthaki Natraj and Dakshina Vaidyanathan’s bharatanatyam recital at Madras Music Academy.

Posted on 8/1/20

I saw ‘Padma Shri’ Narthaki Nataraj mam’s performance for the first time.

Before I tell about her performance, you have to know about her. She is the disciple of late Guru Kittappa Pillai, a direct descendent of the Tanjore quartet, who were flourished during the Maratha rule in Thanjavur and had composed many songs on Thanjavur Maratha Kings and Brihadeshwara. The house of Kittappa Pillai in Thanjavur west main street was gifted to his ancestor by King Tulaja II.

Narthaki Natraj has received prestigious Sangeet natak Academi award, Padma shri from the Government of India and Kalaimamani award from the Government of Tamilnadu.She is expert in Tanjore style of bharatanatyam dance and also one of the senior most guru/trainer in Chennai for Tanjore style which is told to be the traditional gurukula style.

Yesterday she performed on the compositions of Tanjore quartet, one on Shyama sastri, Ramalinga adigalar, Thayumana swamigal, Arunagirinathar etc. They were all unique compositions. Those soulful music and songs rendered by the orchestra moved me to the tears of joy. By seeing her performance, I got a feeling of how artists performed in front of a King in Darbar or God in temple on those days. She conquered the stage and dazzled everyone with her expressive abhinaya and won loud applause from the audience. Indeed it was her first performance in Madras music academy after receiving the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Rashtrapati. I was elated and overwhelmed with joy after her performance.

Thank you so much for inviting me mam, you rocked 😊☺️.

She even told me that “if my ancestors might not been, this art form might not been developed or seen to this level which we see today”, It is all because of them and their blessings where i am today to this position in my career and profession.

A glimpse from Mangalam. Song: Pooranam, vocalist: KP Nandini sai giridhar👇

Posted on 9/1/20

On 7th Jan 2020 morning at 10 a.m, Dakshina akka performed at the Madras Music Academy. She started her recital with salam daru- on composition of King Serfoji II, which pays homage to Maisasura Mardini.

Thanjavur maratha King Serfoji II wrote that composition for the Devadasis to perform for the goddess Maisasura Mardini.

I use to watch Dakshina akka’s bharatanatyam recitals since 2016. I never missed any of her solo performances in Chennai. I always use to call her the ‘Queen of Abinaya‘ because of her natural and graceful expressions which are wonderfully mobile and eloquent. Every gesture is perfectly timed and legible.

I enjoyed her recital at the Music Academy and it was a treat for the audience. Witnessing her recitals with soulful music and songs, brings great happiness to the rasikas and artists.

This time I have decided to pay tribute to her in a very different and special way. Yess…. I have made a video for her. Posting a photo has become common and i have already posted multiple photos with akka on facebook and instagram. So this time i am posting a video and i dedicate this video to Dakshina akka and Rama aunty who had taken efforts to perform for the compositions on/of my ancestors for this Margazhi season.

Rama aunty was the conveyor for last year’s Natya Kala Conference and had encouraged artists/scholars to perform or give lecture/presentations on Thanjavur Maratha King’s literary works/compositions.

P.S: The song in the video is on Lord krishna sang by Sudha Raghuraman.

Posted on 11/1/20

I was not able to attend his bharatanatyam recital at Madras Music academy. Atleast I was able to meet him, before he left Chennai.

Meet Praveen Kumar annan, a senior and reputed bharatanatyam dancer from Bangalore. For the past several years, he performs for The Madras Music Academy’s dance festival and also for other renowned sabhas in India for Margazhi and different occasions.

He has also choreographed a thematic bharatanatyam presentation on Pandharpur Vithala and had performed across various places in our country.

They are the gem, who are the reason for spreading the richness of our culture and pride through art to others. It was an honor meeting you anna and thanks for the Hershey’s dark chocolate.

Krishna gana sabha.

His thematic bharatanatyam presentation on Pandharpur Vithala is on 8th February 2020 at Mangalore.

Click the below link to know about him in detail 👇

Know about Praveen Kumar

Relevant Post 👇

Panduranga temple in Thiruvaiyaru and Thanjavur

Well spent Sunday at Music Academy, Chennai

Yesterday from morning till evening, I was at Madras Music Academy for their Margazhi dance festival 2020. Witnessed amazing Bharatanatyam recital of Meera Sreenarayanan chechi. She performed for the composition on Thanjavur Maratha King Pratap Singh. Last year she performed on ‘Danike’ which praises Thanjavur Maratha King Shivaji the second. I missed her performance last year. Yesterday, all her performances received rousing applause, the most appropriate acknowledgement of the wonderful performance.

After her recital it was Anwesha akka’s Bharatanatyam recital.

Anwesha akka after her stunning bharatanatyam performance.

A dream of every artist is to perform at Madras Music academy atleast once in their life time. The hard work, efforts they take to reach their goal cannot be compared to anything or anyone in this universe. Well trained classical dancers have ability to dance continuously for more than one hour in their programs and the stamina and energy that they have for it is really commendable. An artist puts ten times the amount of effort and energy in his/her work or task as compared to a normal or common human being. Imagine who can dance or do their work/task continuously for minimum one hour these days. We get tired and take breaks often after doing something for minimum 20 to 30 minutes.

An artist is been made. He/she is trained vigriously to perform on stage for hours continuously. They undergo continuous practice and diets to achieve sufficient stamina and energy. The process of becoming an artist undergoes many sacrifices (may be for some), vigrious trainings, being punctual to class, disciplined and right attitude towards art and for the classical dance form they practice, being obdient to their teachers etc. There is a saying ‘A strict teacher produces a good number of disciplined and well trained artists’.

Hatsoff and salute to the Gurus and Artists for their struggles, efforts, sacrifices, pains they had gone through and achieved their goals. I would also like to add that many senior classical dancers had gone through surgeries of heel spur/bone, spine, knees etc because of the injuries caused due to regular or frequent practice. Some are advised by the doctors not to practice Bharatanatyam again and also some practice after decades or years, after getting cured. Most of the classical dancers never give up. They try their Best to get back to the form and continue their practice regularly. This shows their devotion, dedication, passion and love towards the classical dance form they practice. We do give up things or tasks that we are not able to do or that harms or injures us. We have to learn from such dedicated and passionate artists that we should never give up things that we are really fond of or passionate about. Difficulties do come, but the fruit which we get after succeeding and crossing such difficult hurdles, will satisfy u and gives a feeling of pride, honor and being top of the world.

I enjoyed padam and tillana alot in Anwesha akka’s Bharatanatyam recital. She started with a Mayura, Alarippu – Kanda chapu, then Varnam – Swamiyai azhaitodi va – ragamalika, Yarukagilum bhayama, Tottu tottu (padam) and Kalinga Narthana (thilana). The audience were stunned and impressed by her performance. ‘She came, she performed, she conquered’.Her performance received a standing ovation from artists and rasikas. She is from Seattle, Washington and a disciple of Urmila Sathyanarayan . My Best wishes for your future and success akka 🙏.

In evening, it was Rama Vaidyanathan aunty’s Bharatanatyam recital. She performed on Lord Murugan. One piece among others that she performed was probably told to be on the composition of Thanjavur Maratha King Shahaji.

Snippet from Rama aunty’s Bharatanatyam performance for the recital that was probably told to be on the composition of Thanjavur maratha King Shahaji.

After her recital, the most awaited moment came. Yes… Non other than meeting Padma shri Narthaki Nataraj mam and Chithra Madhavan mam., historian- whom I admire alot.

Finally….. Met one of the most renowned dancer who has inspired many classical dancers- Padma shri, Kalaimamani Narthaki Nataraj mam.

Inspiring video on Narthaki Nataraj mam.

Thanks to meera chechi and Anwesha akka for inviting me and making this weekend very special.

With Padma shri Datuk Ramli Ibrahim at music academy, Chennai.

Margazhi 2019- Natya Kala Conference

Posted on 28/12/2019

Ancient restored mural of King Tulaja 1 alias Tukkoji at Brihadeshwara temple, Thanjavur.

Click the below link to know about King Tulaja 1 and his accomplishments 👇

http://serfojimemorialhall.com/maharajah-tukkoji.html

Today at Natya Kala Conference, there was a presentation on King Tulaja’s ‘Sangeetha Saramirutam‘ – a standard work on the theory and practice of classical Carnatic music. The session started by 9:20 am and ended by 10:30 am. Unfortunately, due to certain circumstances, I reached Krishna Gana Sabha by 10:45 am 😔. Missed the session and I regretted alot for that 😔😌.

I would like to thank Rama Vaidyanathan aunty from the bottom of my heart for arranging this presentation, that was on my ancestor’s work and also to Uma Sathya Narayanan akka and Lakshmi Parthasarthy akka. I believe that they might had been given their full efforts for the justice to the topic they delivered on. There are so many works on classical art and music done by the Thanjavur Maratha Kings. I would appeal scholar artists to do research on those works and bring it out in the form of seminars or presentations in conferences. So that art students, dancers will be aware on those precious works, that might even be beneficial to them for their thesis work or research and at the same time those works would be alive rather than getting forgeted or unknown to the world.

With dancers from Pune. Sucheta Chapekar Tai and group.

I was so happy to meet known artists after a long Gap. Was so happy to meet Jeetendra anna, who works on compositions of Thanjavur quartet and on compositions of Thanjavur Maratha Kings. Recently he had brought out a very rare composition named ‘Danike‘ which was on King Shivaji II of Thanjavur via his blog.

Met ‘Thanjavur Nrutya Prabhanda‘ team, classical dancers from Pune headed by one of my favorite senior bharatanatyam artist Sucheeta Chapekar ji. Yesterday they performed on the compositions of King Serfoji II and Shahaji II for the Natya Kala conference. Unfortunately I too missed that yesterday 😔, but I had already seen that program in Pune 🙂. But such awesome programs/thematic presentations will not be enough though how much ever you watch or witness 🥰.

Was so glad to meet artists from Maharashtra- Sachidanand, hrishikesh, Vrushali, Meera chechi from Kerala who never ever forgets to invite me for her programs since 2016 and Janani srinivasan mam- editor of Sruti magazine, Kali- a very famous dancer from kalashestra, Aravinth, Mohanapriya Annan. I felt lucky that they both (Aravinth, Mohanapriya) recognised this simple soul. I thought they might had forgot me . The saddest thing was, I missed Narthaki Nataraj mam. She is an admirer to many artists. I wish we should meet definitely on the next occasion 🙏.

Long live our King’s work and artistic intelligence.

With Janaki Srinivasan, editor of Sruti magazine and Kali Virabadran, very famous dancer from Kalashestra. He was the contestant in dance Jodi dance 2.0, which gets telecast on Zee Tamil. He belongs to the Fisher community. Very hard working and had gone through lots of struggles in his life. His life and work has inspired many that a short film has been made on him and a book on him has been written.

Posted on 30/12/2019

With Rama Vaidyanathan aunty.

She was the conveyor of this year’s Natya Kala conference. A multifaceted artist, a good administrator, multi talented, was impressed with her managing and leadership skills . There are many things to learn from you aunty. Thank you for inviting me and it is always my pleasure to help you out with the literary or classical works that are related with/to Thanjavur Maratha Kings. Next year looking forward for two sessions i.e talk/presentation that would be associated with the compositions and choreographies of Maratha King Serfoji II and King Shahaji II.

With Col.Madan Mohan sir. He serves as Colonel in Indian army. He is an ardent Rasika of Indian classical art.

click here to see this video on Facebook

A glimpse from ‘Anjasa‘ – a bharatanatyam production, showing the beauty of Buddhist monuments.

The Singapore based Apsaras arts dance company headed by Aravinth kumarasamy annan did a bharatanatyam production in the year 2017 on Thanjavur and titled it as “Tanjore – the golden age of Bharatanatyam“. The role of Kamakshi Bai– the last Maratha queen of Thanjavur, was played by dance doyen Lakshmi Vishwanathan ji. I can still remember that performance. The history of Thanjavur was well narrated. The choreography, classical songs (mostly of tanjore quartet) and narration was mind-blowing. This bharatanatyam production on Thanjavur should also be performed in various parts of Maharashtra, India especially in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi etc . That production took us back to the glorious days of Thanjavur under various rulers. The team deserves credit for patients and time they took for understanding and knowing our history and for bringing it out via classical dance form. Hats off to the entire time of Apsaras arts for their innovative productions, dedication and also for their Passion and commitment to the interest they show in our Indian history.

A glimpse from ‘Nokkam‘ – a bharatanatyam production by Leela Samson.

Mobile photography.

On the day 5 of Natya Kala Conference.

Happy 98th Birthday to the legendary K.Anbazhagan

Happy 98th Birthday to the legendary K.Anbazhagan.He is the General Secretary of DMK and a close confidant of the DMK founder C. N. Annadurai. These photographs were taken in the year 1990, when the then Maharashtra Chief Minister, Shri Sharad Pawar visited Thanjavur, Tamilnadu. He received Sharad Pawar ji officially to Tamilnadu. They visited our Palace & were accompanied by my grandfather. In the last picture, my grandfather H.H Prince Tulajendra Rajah P. Bhosle addressing in a program where they were invited as chief guest for the birth anniversary celebration of King Serfoji II in Sangeeta Mahal. Prince Tulajendra Rajah P. Bhosle was the then life member in the board of Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji’s Sarasvati Mahal Library (TMSSML). These photographs are from our archives.