From the Courts of Mewar

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur

In 1999, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur, the present custodian of Udaipur, put into action, a vast restoration project, whereby all the collection of the Maharana Kumbha Sangeet Kala Trust was to be digitally restored, using the latest technology. This unique collection is perhaps the best collection of the great Dagar Gharana of music.

There are about two hundred mid day, sandhi prakash (early evening) and late night ragas. The collection also contains some rare Achhobw ragas. There are valuable recordings of renowned artists performing thumri, instrumental and Rajasthani folk music.

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur has recently sponsored the publishing of a book titled "The Contribution of Maharana Kumbha to Indian Music". It is published in Hindi so as to have a wider public audience. 'Rajasthan ke Rajawadi Geet" a compendium in three volumes has also been published. He is contributing all efforts in order to preserve the rich legacy of his ancestors - the century's long tradition of the Maharanas of Mewar who patronised and protected the arts and music. An ardent lover of music, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur went on to establish 'Mewar Memorable Millennium Melodic Music' or 5M, a private limited company that promotes new talent and conserves and encourages the old traditions of music.

5M has recently released cassettes of Rajasthani music and Meera Bai's bhajans. Every year on Kartik Purnima (full moon night in the month of Kartik), a cultural music show is held and renowned artists are invited to perform. In 2006, Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia - flutist and rare talent of the highest reputation performed at the The City Palace in front of an audience of over 2000 guests.

Other eminent personalities - Mallika Sarabhai and Nirmala Sheshadari (Bharat Natyam), Tripti Bhoopen and Veronique Azan (Kathak) have also performed on this regal festival courtesy the Maharana Kumbha Sangeet Kala Trust. The Dagar Gharana Samaan Award established in 1981 by the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation is an outstanding example of conservation of traditions of music particular to the Mewar Gharana.

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur has ensured that the musical legacy be kept alive by promoting and encouraging new talent, thereby in keeping with the tradition of the Trust - nurturing centuries old tradition of music, a legacy of Mewar and indeed India.