This is a watercolour of Balwant Bhaiyya Ki Kothi at Gwalior. People living in Gwalior know about this mansion as it is perched at the top of a hill. The place is in ruins, shrubs, wild grass and creepers have taken over all around the property. Smell of bats pervades everywhere and empty cartridges are scattered here and there. We use to visit frequently with my friends, Suresh Khandekar and Rajshekhar Iyer during our Science College days. As per Wikimapia, this was a palace of Sardar Balwantrao Scindia. He was the brother of Maharaja Madhavrao Scindia. However, he was not considered royal being a son of a dancing girl. My friend Prithviraj Chouhan adds that Balwantrao was known for his deep religious belief and closeness to the common people of Gwalior. The people of Gwalior lovingly called him as Balwant Bhaiyya or Brother Balwant.
It can be sensed like an embalmed presence through the strokes of your paint brush.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kakoli
ReplyDeleteShrimant Balwant Rao Shinde (popular as Balwant bhaiya Scindia) was natural son of Alijah Bahadur HH Shrimant Jayajirao Saheb Shinde Maharajah of Gwalior.
ReplyDeleteHe was not son of Dancing Girl...
For detailed information please refer to Research book
"Tawareekh-I-Shinde Shahi" by Famous History Researcher NEELESH ISHWARCHANDRA ji of Gwalior.
Thanks Pankaj
DeleteHe indeed was the son of h.h jayajirao saheb scindia and famous chandra bhaga baai. His younger brother was a famous musician who later moved to calcutta. Notable singer Gauhar jaan is said to be his disciple.
DeleteI am thrilled to hear another tale of Science College students visiting the Balwant Bhaiya ki Kothi from another alumni in addition to hearing from my own father of his times. I would certainly let him know that I came across this.
ReplyDelete