आगमे विश्वासटिप्पन्यः

(r. 1835–1889) A Maharaja of Benares
who, with the help of local scholars,
wrote the dialogues (samvads) for the
characters in the Ramnagar Ram Lila.
The Ram Lilas are dramatized versions
of the epic Ramayana, which transcend
simple theater to become a form of worship. The Ram Lila at Ramnagar, the
fort that is home to the kings of
Benares, is the most famous and traditional of all these Ram Lilas. The
Ramnagar Ram Lila began because of
the royal family’s patronage, and the
annual performance is still sponsored
by them. Although they are no longer
the actual political rulers, the royal
family continues to play an important
ceremonial role. For further information see Anaradha Kapur, Actors,
Pilgrims, Kings, and Gods, 1990.