A WORD ABOUT THE COVER PHOTOGRAPH OF THE GROUP 'CLASSIC COLLECTION'

A WORD ABOUT THE COVER PHOTOGRAPH OF THE GROUP 'CLASSIC COLLECTION'

The cover photograph is of Raja Ajit Singhji of Khetri who was the disciple and patron of Swami Vivekananda and a great patron of art and culture among which Hindustani classical music and dance featured as well naturally. This group has been called 'CLASSIC COLLECTION' in memory of the great association between preceptor [ Swami Vivekananda ] and pupil [ Raja Ajit Singhji ] and their mutual love for Hindustani classical music. Swamiji was quite a distinguished exponent of it as well, being trained by Ustads in dhrupad and dhamar.

During his stay at Khetri the first time, Swamiji was one evening invited by the Raja to listen to a musical performance by a reputed courtesan of impeccable credentials and character, one who had entirely devoted herself to her art and craft. But Swamiji, despite repeated requests by the Raja and his assurances as to the reputation of the dancing girl, was held back by his preconceptions about the courtesan class and refused to comply. And, so, the musical soiree began in his absence. The singer, realising the reason for Swamiji's reticence in coming to court, started singing a Surdas bhajan. As the plaintive notes began streaming into Swamiji's room, he was overwhelmed by the import of the lyrics and the beautiful rendition and rushed to the music room to take his seat. Later Swamiji is reported to have begged forgiveness of the courtesan who touched his feet and was blessed by the Swami.

Thus, here in Khetri, in the royal palace of Fateh Billas, the music of a dancing girl stirred up the music of the soul of the sage of our times and thus have I put up the photograph of the Raja of Khetri as cover for the group and offered my classic collection in his court which I hope the departed king, from wherever he is, will enjoy with his great Guru at whose feet the music is being offered.

Written by Sugata Bose [Administrator]