Book Review - Painting
and Theatre in Kashmir by Dr. R.K. Tamiri
by Chander M. Bhat
Name
of the Book:
Painting
and Theatre in Kashmir
Author:
Dr. R. K. Tamiri
Publisher:
Suraj
Foundation, 245-Amar Colony Extension,
Gole
Gujral, Talab Tillo, Jammu Tawi 180 002
Year
of Publication: 2011
Price:
PB: Rs. 300.00 HB: Rs.
650.00
Very few scholars in our times who have crossed the age of fifty are
celebrated either through their works or through the writings of other people on
their works. The whole question of celebrating a writer’s works, especially
when he crosses the mature years is centered on two critical aspects: the
authenticity of scholarship and the relevance of such scholarship in our time.
Since the authenticity of any work is often checked in terms of the existing
systematizations of knowledge, it is only through a constant critiquing of the
systems of knowledge; one can assess the merit of any personality. The book
Painting and Theatre in Kashmir is the product of such an attempt to highlight
the achievements of Suraj Ticku, the artist, painter and theatre giant. After
the probation of laborious research work, finally Dr. R.K.Tamiri has come out
with the said book. The book not only reveals the latent love, affection, thirst
of the author but it also reflects the level of hard work, patience and
dedication as well. The author is well known for his research work like
Konsarnag...Myth, Legend and History, Sodaratirtha...Myth, Legend and History,
the Rise of Barmarks, The Traditional Music of Kashmir, Lolab Valley...Shrines
and Legends, Kaptesvara Tirtha...History and Legend and A Pilgrimage to
Rainabari are some of the examples of research works of Dr. R.K.Tamiri.
Deep rivers move with silent mystery; shallow brooks are noisy. On having a deep
insight in this work I feel it is work that makes a workman. Peeling of cover
banana helps to reach the nectar of nature’s generosity. Dr. Tamiri has made
triumphant exposure of a true and artful person; whose contribution in the work
of art and painting would have been a talk of the past. I really love to explore
the personality of Suraj Ticku on part of Dr. Tamiri. It strengthens my belief
that the artful personality was not a mean thing to be kept shrouded in mystery.
The focus on different angles of the life of great artist has given him
immortality among the Kashmiri greats. Dr. Tamiri’s efforts justify kudos as
new generation may have not enough knowledge available about him and this book
is a sincere effort to bridge gap between this stalwart actor and aspiring
candidates in the field of painting, art and theatre.
It is not only the legendary Suraj Ticku that has had the author’s attention.
But also reminisces of art, culture, theatre, and painting too have found
emphatic mentions in this book. I feel the book shall serve as a testament for
next generation and also give true impulses of great Kashmiri pursuit towards
excellence in the field of art, theatre and painting.
The
book has been divided into three parts, part one deals with the historical
background of Painting, Theatre in Kashmir and introduction of Suraj Tiku’s
Guru. Part two elaborates the works of Suraj Tiku and Part three is about Family
of Performing Arts, index etc.
It
is very appropriate smile to say that any good manuscript is like a diamond, it
glitters but only when properly cut. In very simple words the book is a very
beautiful reference book. I commend the book to all lovers of Art and Theatre.
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