Feb 11 2025 to Feb 11 2025 6:30 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

A symphony of brilliance, HH Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar, the 25th and last Maharaja of Mysore, transcended the throne. More than a king, he was a polymath, his reign a testament to the harmonious blend of administrative acumen and artistic fervor. His love for music transcended borders, encompassing both the rich tradition of Carnatic music and the elegance of Western classical.

Crowned amidst the tempestuous winds of change, he navigated turbulent times with a visionary’s zeal. He upheld the legacy of Mysore with an unwavering dignity, his reign a beacon of honor and integrity. When the dawn of Indian Independence broke, he gracefully relinquished his crown, a statesman who paved the path for the unification of princely states into the nascent nation.

His humility, a rare jewel in the crown of royalty, remains an enduring testament to his character. Though time may have dimmed the spotlight, the echoes of his extraordinary life and the profound impact of his reign continue to reverberate through the heart of Mysore, where he forever remains a beloved, though tragically unsung, hero.

The session will start with a 10 minutes film about HH Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar, created by MAYA Films. This will be followed by a talk by Dr. Sudhamani in Kannada. Dr. Deepti Navaratna will deliver a talk on the musical genius of the Maharaja in English. A discussion between Dr. Sudhamani, Dr. Deepti and Maya Chandra will follow. The session will end with a Q&A session with the audience.
Speakers
B.V. Sudhamani
Former Professor of History

B.V. Sudhamani is a retired Professor of History, Maharani’s College, Mysore. With a rich academic experience of 33+ years, she has authored some of the most scholarly books on the history of the Mysore Kingdom.

Sudhamani’s recent publication is a profound, exhaustive 2-volume biography on Maharaja Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar in Kannada. Her book on the Royal women of the Wadiyar dynasty is due for release this year
Deepti Navaratna
musician-neuroscientist-author

Deepti Navaratna is a musician-neuroscientist-author whose interests span the arts, science and history. An accomplished South Indian Classical musician, her music has been presented at premiere performing spaces in the United States such as Asia Society (New York City), Symphony Space (New York City), Jordan Hall (Boston), Harvard Arts Museum (Cambridge), Museum of Fine Arts (Boston), Yale School of music (New Haven, CT), Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Srilanka, Central Conservatory, Beijing and Tsing Hua University, Taiwan among others. In a parallel avatar, she studies music as a fascinating window to the brain, mind, human cognition and culture – as the T.V.Raman Pai Chair Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore.

Deepti holds a doctorate degree in Neuroscience, after several years of post-doctoral research at Harvard Medical School, USA, her current research interests span the interdisciplinary crossovers between music and neuroscience. She is a Chevening Clore Fellow (2021–22) and holds the distinction of being the first Indian woman to have performed at the Parliament of World Religions in 2021. Until recently she served as the Regional Director, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Bengaluru, India.

Her foray into the world of words is through her book: ‘The Maverick Maharaja’ – the definitive biography of the Maharaja of Mysore Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, published by Harper Collins India in 2022.

Read more about the author at:
www.deeptinavaratna.net
Maya Chandra

Maya Chandra is a film production entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience. Having entered the industry in its nascent stage, Maya took on the challenges of establishing an enterprise – MAYA.  Her passion and zeal led pioneering trends in government and healthcare communications, corporate films, music videos, biopics, documentaries and legacy films. Till date, MAYA has produced over 750 films. Her foray into documentary production has trailblazed many topics and won awards at Film Festivals. “The Saga of a Braveheart” – winner of the 2023 Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival award is a testament to her commitment to inspire and engage audiences.

Maya Chandra’s passion lies in illuminating the rich history of the Royal Kingdom of Mysore. Through a multifaceted approach, she brings this legacy to life. Her work encompasses captivating photo exhibitions, engaging talks, and insightful conversations with the Royal family. Notably, her YouTube series, “Remembering the Last Maharaja of Mysore,” offers a unique glimpse into this era.

Driven by a desire to revitalize cultural heritage and meticulously document history, Maya Chandra curates events that not only inform but also deeply resonate with audiences, forging an emotional connection to the past.