The royal patronage of Karnatak music dates back to the period of Kadambas and Chalukyas. It was during the reign of Hoysalas and Vijayanagar dynasties music, Dance and other fine arts reached to its peak. After the decline of Vijayanagar dynasty, Wodeyars the rulers of Mysore started growing strong. Though Yaduraya and his brother Krishnaraya were the originators of Wodeyar dynasty in the year 1399 AD, it was Raja Wodeyar (16th century) who reinstated the splendour of music and other arts in Mysore kingdom and conducting the celebrations of Dasara festival following the tradition of Vijayanagar rulers. Later Kings of this dynasty faithfully adhered to this Raja dharma.Many Musicians and Composers adorned the courts of Wodeyars.
This book deals with the Composers who were under the patronage of nine Mysore Kings viz. from Ranadheera Kanteerava Narasaraja Wodeyar to the last ruler Jaya Chamaraja Wodeyar covering a span of around four Centuries. This study was an extension of the author’s doctoral research comprising:
Brief history of Wodeyars; life and contributions of the rulers under study; biographies of around 59 court musicians/composers with analysis of their compositions; songs composed for Yakshaganas, Dramas, Marriage and other rituals; Sangatyas; Granthas (Treatises), Illustrations, Shishya paramparas and many more.
PS: Currently this book is out of stock.