Royals fetish for detail filed

MYSORE: The Mysore Maharajas were great patrons of art and culture and a peek into some 400 old files from 1900 to 1954, speak for the meticulous planning that went into the Dasara festivities the royal family has been celebrating for more than four centuries.The Mysore Dasara was a matter of great prestige for the royal family and through this they sought to showcase their tradition, art and culture and strengthen their social relationships with Colonials, other rulers and bureaucrats.The files contain details of correspondence, list of royal guests, accounts, the erstwhile kings’ commitment to making Dasara a global event, without compromising on tradition.They show their eye for detail and include items like Dasara ceremonials, processions, the Mysore Dasara Industrial and Agricultural Exhibition, invitation to European officers, “aeroplane to Mysore”, Dasara durbar, Dasara fair, visit of Rabidranath Tagore, government house dinners, polo tournament, music concerts, public flights by the Madras Flying Club and cold storage provisions.There are also files relating to the invite to former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in 1939.The royal family organised music concerts of eminent musicians like Gohar Jha and sitarist V Barkatulla Khan at the Jagan Mohan Palace and Amba Vilas for the royal guests from Europe and other countries, kings, queens and ministers of other royal families.The files show details of Rs. 3,500 cash and Khillat (gift) presented to Barkatulla Khan and Rs. 185 spent on laced shawl pair and a duppatta.The Dasara procession file of 1939 mentions 64 items from the Nandi Kamba to ambulance, dressing boys, electric battery of six lights with shades to throw light on the ambari, horse carriage and elephant saloon.The Mysore royal family constructed the Sports Club, Metropole (now Hotel Metropole), Lalitha Mahal Palace, government guest houses, and palace bungalows on Lalitha Mahal Road to accommodate royal guests.Music concerts, European dance by professional dancers, and parties were hosted by the royal family to the guests.