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itself. A young dancer would not be held back by her parents from performing in public as is the case far too many times.Art also has the incredible effect of inspiring more art. It feeds itself and feeds the people that partake in it. In one case, a fisherman, inspired by the storytelling format of the burrakatha, put together a show that is fondly remembered. A blue screen, undulating in the background with the beats of a drum created the sensation of open waters. With the poise and dignity of a dancer, one performer would enact the rowing of a boat, or the swimming of a certain fish, always accompanied by the varying beats of the drum. To sit, under a dark sky, and allow yourself to be transported in the colours and emotions of a story told with such commitment to craft and such faithfulness to life is bound to have a profound effect. All this was made possible by pouring resources and promoting the fundamental fact that art is important. All this was possible and existed in the same place, in this town of Vizianagaram, thanks to a patron with power and a vision.Maharaja Anand Gajapathi's patronage and support were not limited to Vizianagaram. They extended to projects in other places as well. Without his support, it appears quite likely that Max M%u00fcller would not have been able to accomplish his seminal translations of classical Sanskrit texts into German. It was not all about art either. The importance of advancing in technology and the foundations required to get there were also of importance to the Maharaja. The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (ICAS), Calcutta, in all probability, would not have grown into an institution critical for the development of science in India, without his generous support in its early days. The Poona Gayani Samaj, established with the mission of sponsoring Indian classical music was heavily 41