“The Lost Treasures of Bengal” is an amazing exhibition organized by Make Calcutta Relevant Again (MCRA) in association with Techno India Group and Techno India University. This exhibition, which features the cherished collection of the late Shri Radhika Mohan Maitra, the great Sarod maestro, will provide an unmatched opportunity to explore the rich tradition of Indian instrumental music.

Nearly 100 rare and historically significant musical instruments that have been painstakingly conserved over decades will be on display in this exhibition, which is being curated by his dedicated pupil, musician Shri Somjit Dasgupta. A 17th-century RudraVeena, a priceless relic thought to be the oldest playable Indian musical instrument still in existence, is one of the collection’s centerpieces. From the descendants of Tansen, Akbar’s court musician, to Radhika Mohan’s instructor, Ustad Amir Khan, this famous piece has an interesting history. To preserve these priceless instruments for future generations, Techno India Group and Techno India University have been instrumental in their restoration.

Among the other outstanding instruments on exhibit are:

• A Mohan Veena (1943): Named in honor of Radhika Mohan Maitra by Thakur Jaydev Singh, a famous musician and musicologist.
• An 1860 Saraswati Veena: The veena maestro Immani Shankar Shastri gave Radhika Mohan this instrument, which was built in Kolkata but crafted in the Thanjavur style, as a token of appreciation for his contributions to Indian music.
• Rabindranath Tagore’s Sitar: After being amazed by Shri Radhika Mohan’s talent during his student years, the Nobel Laureate himself gave her a customized sitar.

Although Shri Radhika Mohan Maitra’s collection has been shown in Paris, London, Berlin, and Spain, this is the first major display of the collection in Kolkata. Workshops and interactive sessions are among the other highlights of the show, which promises to be a culturally stimulating experience. On December 6, 2024, a documentary about Radhika Mohan Maitra’s life and legacy will be shown. Shri Somjit Dasgupta will perform live on the Mohan Veena to wrap up the occasion. Following the performance, filmmaker Professor Prajna Dutta will lead a discussion about this custom.

The exhibition highlights India’s instrumental music tradition in addition to celebrating Bengal’s rich musical legacy. It extends an invitation to everyone with a cultural bent to travel through time, art, and the soul.

Priyanka Dutta