Musicians playing at the gate of the palace for the entertainment of visitors. The instruments are surnai (l.) and nakara (r.). These instruments are traditionally played by a branch of the Langa caste called the Surnaiya Langas. For close up views of the musicians see the next two items.
| Slides: | 94/K/5 |
The surnai from the previous group.
| Slides: | 94/K/7 |
The nakara. Note the underhand grip on the right-hand drumstick. This can also be seen in the first picture of this group. Note also the rupee note donated by a passer-by (myself).
| Slides: | 94/K/7 |
An elephant drum kept in the museum of the Johpur Fort. Pairs of such drums would have been played on elephant-back (note the carrying hoops) during ceremonial processions.
| Slides: | 94/J/25, 94/K/01 |
The Phul Mahal: the Maharaja's music room, where intimate indoor music-making would have been held. The lavish decorations include wall mirrors, stained glass in the windows, and a frieze along the top of each wall containing ragamala paintings illustrating the modes of classical music: ragas and raginis (indicated by the arrow).
| Slides: | 94/J/22 |