Brhaddesi of Sri Matanga Muni

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Bṛhaddeśī of Sri Matanga Muni
(KMS No. 8, 10)

Edited and Translated by PREM LATA SHARMA, assisted by ANIL BIHARI BEOHAR

1992, Vol.I, xviii+193pp., textual notes, notes, ISBN:81-208-1031-7, Rs. 275 (HB)

1994, Vol. II, xviii+320pp., textual notes, notes, ISBN: 81-208-1032-5, Rs. 300 (HB)

The Brhaddesi ascribed to Matanga Muni, and most probably belonging to the 6th century A.D., is a landmark in Sangitasastra for more than one reason. It is the solitary text that forges a link between Natyasastra and Dattila on one hand and Abhinava Bharati on the other, the gap extending over more than five hundred years. Its direct influence on later texts like Sangita Ratnakara and its commentaries is obvious in various ways, be it nada from the Tantric stream or the etymology of various terms or the description of ragas.

Speaking of Sangita, the Brhaddesi is the first extant text to describe raga, to introduce sarigama notation, to usher in a fresh approach towards sruti, svara, grama, murchana, etc. and to establish the concept of desi and its counterpart marga.

The present publication presents the first critical edition of this well known but almost inaccessible text, with variant readings, an English translation, textual notes and annotations.

PREM LATA SHARMA is a distinguished scholar of Musicology, Sanskrit and Hindi. Having received advanced training in vocal music from the illustrious Pandit Omkar Nath Thakur, she held the post of Professor and Head of Department of Musicology in Benaras Hindu University. She was the Chairperson of UP sangeeta Nataka Akademy (1983-86) and Vice-Chancellor of Indira Kala Sangita Visvavidyalaya, Khairagarh (1985-88). She was selected as Fellow of he Sangeeta Natak Akademi, New Delhi in 1992 and is presently its Vice-Chairperson. She is the author of several noted publications including the critical editions of Rasavilasa (1952), Sangitaraja (1963), Sahasarasa (1972), Ekalingamahatyama (1976).

ANIL BIHARI BEOHAR is lecturer in Musicology at the Indira Kala Sangeeta Visvavidyalaya, Khairagarh.



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