History

"Maurya’s empire came to power in 321 BC. The empire reached its peak under Emperor Ashoka who converted to Buddhism in 262 BC. Muslim power first made itself strongly felt on the subcontinent with the raids of Mahmud of Ghazni. The six great Mughals were Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jehan and Aurangzeb and their reigns were between 1527 until 1707. "

"In 1612 British made their first permanent inroad into India when they established a trading post in Gujarat and later at Madras in 1640, at Bombay in 1668 and at Calcutta in 1690. In 1672 the French established themselves at Pondicherry and stage was set for a rivalry between the British and French for control of Indian trade." 

I read aloud from my notes as young eyes stared on.

"I never appreciated History. There were loads of dates and other facts to remember. But one thing all my History teachers would vouch for is the fact that I could paint a picture of History as no one ever could - at least in my school."

"And when I say paint a picture of History - I mean literally" I add for increased effect.

I could see that everyone in the room was involved. Each one of them awaited my next line with infective eagerness.

"I bet you all are bored. Let me stop now."

As was the case for the past innumerable times, I was requested to continue. I smile approvingly.
"Yes. Where were we? Haan, I was telling how my fame started from school, spread through the district, through the state till every news channel in India had a primetime report about me - the child prodigy."

"The Lokayata Art Gallery, Delhi wanted to display my paintings for their Indian Glory Exhibition. I was surprised that I was to be featured beside stalwarts like M.F. Hussain and Tyeb Mehta."
"Do you know that one of Tyeb Mehta’s paintings was sold for 1.58 million dollars? I think that’s the highest by an Indian."

"It was a special day, the day my paintings were featured at the Gallery. We were lucky to have couple of distinguished guests from the British Royalty."

"I can still remember the day, clear as crystal, as if it happened only yesterday. There was supposed to be no sale that evening. Only exhibition. No sale." 

"But she was so persuasive. She came to me and congratulated me on such a wonderful piece of art. She was surprised to find that I was so young. I had turned fourteen that year. She asked me if I had an agent whom she should speak to. I vaguely remember asking her why. She said she liked - ‘Taj Mahal’ so much that she wanted to take it home. She asked me if i had a price in mind. Such a beautiful lady, appreciating my work; I was only happy to give it to her for free. I replied in a soft but sure tone - For you, it’s free. "

The young keen eyes had started becoming droopy.

"She discussed with me on a range of interesting topics before bidding adieu. Before leaving, she hinted that she wanted to be anonymous, I have let her be."

"A check for a quarter million pounds arrived in my mailbox a few weeks later."

"To honor her, I have never painted the Taj Mahal again."

By Prof. George Wilson.

"Your grandpa" I add. Everyone in the room had fallen asleep. I admired the fact that the cherubs slept so peacefully. 

I kiss them good night before turning off the lights.

Cheers,
Rosh