Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Bichitra, Rabindranath and Kampo Arai (cont-7)

(portrait-of-tagore-by-kosetsu-nosu-with-tagores-autographed-poem)
Kampo arai wrote in his diary on 1st Jan 1917, "At the request of Rabindranath Tagore when he was in Japan, My pictute " Andher Surya Dandana " had already arrived in India and an exhibition on that was going in India ." He also wrote on 22nd Jan, " To exhibit these pictures a special room in Japanese style was constructed. In that room the painted canvas kept standing against the wall. The daughters and daughters-in-law came early in the morning and sung before the picture the Rabindra-sangeet, " Andha jane deha aalo" for long time.
On 26 Jan he wrote in his Diary,
" A lecture was delivered on the history of Indian Art fromancient times ". Though he did not mention the name of the lecturer.
Arai wrote on a welcoming ceremony of Lord Carmichel was arranged on 5th Mar;
"He was greeted by holding an exhibtion of arts. My painted canvas "Andher Surya bandana" was placed at the middle of the exhibition . The paintings of Abanindranath and others were also exhibited. Moreover, pictures of ancient and modern times were also there. Huge arrangements were mafde to welcome the Viceroy. He came to Jorasanko just at 5 pm. Many foreign guests also came.The viceroy took his seat just in front of my Canvas. Abanindranath and other guests greeted him by delivering lectures. Then some pictures were presented to him. The viceroy delivered his  address at the end of the meeting. The two daughters of Abanindranatth sung two songs.Tea and snacks were distributed at the end of the programme.