পরিশিষ্ট । V9 Y and delighted at the proofs of his poetical genius and power of writing in the Vernacular, and told me to encourage him in this attempt. But I shall not anticipate you as to what followed. You have given a graphic account of the circumstances that led to the production of Modhu's first work (Sarmishtha) and the introduction of Blank verse into the Bengali language. The Belgatchia Theatre began with the play of Ratnavali in 1858, and closed with the ಙ್ಗಂrmance of Sarmishtha, the first production of Modhu, ln 1859. It was in 1866, that the Maharaja Sir Jotindro Mohun Tagore, following in the wake of his friends the Rajas of Paikpara, began to give a series of theatrical performances at his Pathuriaghatta house, for the tintertainment of his numerous friends, both native and European. I need scarcely add that the Pathuriaghatta theatre that had the magnificent Orchestra of the Belgatcha. Theatre, with some additions and alterations, formed a corps that was equally successful in achieving a reputation as high as that which had been attained by its prototype of Belgatchin. The performances held, at intervals, at his house were continued, for the period of 20 years, to afford a rare and rich treat to the elite of our Calcutta society, from the Viceroy down to the latest newcomer t and left a lasting mark on the annals of our Drama. .r S SLSLSSMSSSLS SSSSSSMMLSSSLL S LSS SLS SLSLS S LSLS LS S LLLL S SSMSSSLLLLLAALL LLSLLTLMLSMSMS SSLLLL LSMS = =sa ls · =· LSLSSS S LSS LSLLSLSMS S SLLLLSSkS S LSLSALSTTSSSLSLMS M M LLLSLLLSTSLSML LSL LLLLLSLGLLLLSSMSGSL SLSLL LLSLS
- Special interest for the Belgatchia Concert was evinced by Ber Excellency the Lady Ripon. She used to scrutinize cvery instrument, and the manner in which each was played upon. She, more than once, visited the Pathuriaghatta. Theatre. It was at her special request that the Maharaja deputed the Belgatchua Orchestra Company, headed by Babu Jodu Nath Paul, to Barrack ore, to entertain their Royal Eighnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, who greatly appreciated the music. The Duke remarked that some of the airs were pecularly delightful. Some of the Dramatic Pieces, Songs, IIymns, Operas, and Farces that excited the thrilling interest and evoked the fervent applause of the audi.
ence, were composed by the Maharaja himself. An incident in connection with the Maharaja of Rewa may be noticed here. At the time whicn the Chief of Rewa was putting up as a guest of Maharajah Jotindro Mohun in his Emerald Bower Villa, the performance of the Bidya Sundara Natak was going on for several nights on the stage of the Pathuriaghatta. Theatre. His Highness expressed a wish to be there on one of these occasions. The Maharaja Came in state attended by a number of his Sardars and some of the chief Officers of his Durbar, and highly enjoyed the music and the performance. Indeed, so highly pleased was His Highness that when the play was over, he caused two packages of Cash mere shawls and a bag of money to be brought, and offered for distribution to the actors. It was very courteously explained to him that all the actors being amateurs they could not accept the presents, though they were
