Dance-Theatre by Thanjavur Maratha Rajas: Design & Rhetoric of Marathi Yaksaganams (Foreword by Nagaraj Paturi)

Indumati Raman, an alumna of Rukmini Devi's Kalakshetra (Chennai), is an exponent, mentor, choreographer, and writer on the arts. She was active as performer and mentor from 1966. From 1993 to 2002 she was Chairperson, Sponsor and Patron associated with the artistes of Melattur Bhagavata Mela Natya Vidya Sangam. Five 4-day festivals of Bhagavata mela Natakams were organised and curated by Smt. Indumati in Mumbai, Chennai and Thiruvaiyaru.

Indumati produced, directed and staged in 2002, Bavasaheb Ekoji Bhonsle II's (1736-1737) natakam 'Sakuntala in Mumbai in collaboration with artistes from both Melattur and Mumbai. The effort received acclaim and appreciation from the Marathi theatre fraternity in Mumbai.

Smt. Indumati is the author of 'Bhagavata Mela My Tryst with Tradition' the history and evolution of the Bhagavata Mela tradition. (Indus Source Books 2017)

Indumati Raman was awarded National Tagore Fellowship in 2018/19. Her project was "Design & Rhetoric of Marathi Yakshaganams of Thanjavur Maratha Rajas". The Thesis included translation, transliteration and annotation for two Marathi yakshaganams besides history of Thanjavur Maratha Rajas.

This exceptional book includes English translations of two Marathi and Sanskrit Yakshaganams "Mrutyunjaya Chiranjivi' by Shahji Raje Bhonsle II and 'Sakuntalnatak by Bavasaheb Ekoji II. It provides a comprehensive history of the Bhonsle Dynasty offering readers an insightful perspective of this rich cultural heritage. - HH S. BABAJI RAJAH BHOSLE Senior Prince, Thanjavur Palace

Indumati Raman was a Patron of Bhagavata Mela and directed a Marathi Yakshaganam in 2002. She is the author of the book 'Bhagavata Mela - My Tryst with Tradition'. Indian dance forms are appreciated globally and new literature on subjects related to the art is important and relevant at this time. - SANDHYA PURECHA Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi

What we have here is an important source of reference that will serve both readers interested in the neglected cultural history and practices of our country and scholars with similar interests beyond our borders. I am personally grateful to Indumati Raman for the years of research she has dedicated to this study. - SHANTA GOKHALE Author & Eminent Theatre Historian

The book sheds much-needed light on the rich ecumenical culture of dance and drama that originated at the Maratha courts of Thanjavur... There's much to sample in the pages here; both for the novice and the informed reader... a new Sutradharika is born... - VITHAL C. NADKARNI Senior Editor & Columnist, The Times of India Group Former Vice President, Asiatic Society of Mumbai