History of Nepal

Portrait of Maharaj Bir Shumsher JBR. Photo source: www.royalark.net Maharaj Bir Shumsher JBR was extremely fond of classical music. He had arranged musical greats including Taj Khan (Dhrupad) and Dhundi Khan (Raga) to stay at his palace and train his servants to sing. The two artists were formerly under the employ of the Nawab of Awadh. 5 of his servants had been trained to sing in private occasions inside the palace; they were Muga Nani, Ishakpadi Nani, Harimaya Nani and Haseena Nani. Taj Khan and Dhundi Khan with their trainees at Maharaj Bir's palace. Photo credits: Purusottam Shumsher JBR In Poush of 1956 BS (1899/1900 AD), Maharaj Bir organized a grand gathering of musicians and singers from all over the Indian subcontinent at Bagadi ( near modern-day Birgunj ). Almost 100 singers and musicians participated in this event, of which Ustad Rehmat Khan of Gwalior was declared as the winner. He was awarded a lot of coins and jewels as his prize. The winner of ...