The interiors of a vintage theatre in Jhalawar city of Rajasthan.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Would you believe there is a theatre in Rajasthan where real chariots and even elephants were brought on the stage during the performance of dramas? The theatre in Jhalawar city is popularly known as Bhawani Natyashala. The beautiful public theatre was built in 1921. It still exists, but in a poor condition.
Raj Rana was the title of the erstwhile rulers of Jhalawar. Raj Rana Bhawani Singh had great interest in cultural activities. When he visited some of the opera houses in Europe, he decided to build one such in his princely state.
Thus the Bhawani Natyashala was born.
Huge spending
As much as ₹1.5 lakh, a princely sum then, was spent on the construction, the entire amount borne by the ruler. It was designed and constructed under his order by Thakur Umrao Singh, the then Home and military member of the Jhalawar State Council, with 38 beautifully carved balconies. The three-storey theatre is a splendid example of European and Indian architecture.
Abhigyan Shakuntalam of Kalidas was chosen for the first performance on July 19, 1921. Since then, several dramas from Sanskrit classics to English plays were staged. Would you believe that Charles Doran, an Irish actor, was invited to Jhalawar in 1931 to direct a play by Shakespeare?
For a few years, this historic theatre was used as a cinema, but when intellectuals of the region opposed it, the theatre was given out for cultural activities.
The building is still waiting for recognition from modern society.
An inscription situated at the main gate of Bhawani Natyashala speaks about the construction of the building and first drama performance here. The beauty of the architecture still captivates the soul of the visitor, but neglect has pushed this beauty to an unwanted gloom.
The theatre, which has witnessed accomplishments of several legendary artists, including sitar maestro Pt. Ravi Shankar, is eagerly waiting for a renovation.
Published – May 18, 2025 04:28 am IST