Margam Unmesh Added to Saraswati Mahal Library, Thanjavur
In a significant milestone for Indian classical dance literature, Margam Unmesh—a set of three books authored and composed by Maharashtra-based Bharatanatyam dancer and Vaggeyakara Smita Mahajan—has been included in the prestigious Saraswati Mahal Library, Thanjavur. The collection, which features around 100 Bharatanatyam compositions, was formally handed over to the library by her senior disciple Snehal Kalamkar.
These works, comprising Koutuvams, Jatiswarams, Shabdams, Varnams, Padams, Tillanas and Mangalam, add a valuable contemporary chapter to the rich tradition of Marathi and Hindi compositions once patronised by the Maratha Bhosale rulers of Thanjavur. Set to Carnatic music, the compositions explore both mythological and non-mythological themes, including select Nayika Padams.
The audio recordings of the first 51 compositions are also available for dancers and scholars to explore, making this a noteworthy contribution to the Bharatanatyam repertoire.
By Guru Vijay Shanker