First and only edition of a collection of 31 numbered Sanskrit, Hindi and Bengali songs popular in India at the time of publication, with the words in the original language and script, with a transliteration in roman type, each song with a brief explanatory text in English. It includes songs in the native classical and modern traditions as well as devotional, operatic and pastoral songs. It preserves a record of both the words and melodies of many songs that might otherwise have been lost and therefore serves as an essential primary source. The present copy includes dedication to Robert Bulwer-Lytton, Viceroy of India, printed in blue with an elaborate border printed in red. This is probably a deluxe version of the dedication leaf, found only in a few copies intended for presentation.
Sourindro Mohun Tagore (1840-1914) came from one of the leading artistic families in Calcutta. Well versed in traditional Indian music from his youth, he became a patron of Bengali and Hindu music but also studied Western music and became an internationally known musicologist.
In very good condition, with only occasional and mostly marginal light foxing or faint water stains. The binding with only minor wear, mostly at the extremities, but otherwise very good. A an essential source for any study of Indian music, produced in Calcutta and bound for the author, probably for presentation. WorldCat 18700798, 870975830, 903627489, 497594560, 844448509; Public opinion and official communications, about the Bengal Music School ... (Calcutta 1876, with additions to at least 1879), item XXVI and supplement, p. 268.