Among the many arresting advertisements published in Amrita Bazar Patrika on this day, another Sunday, one is from Mundul & Co, manufacturers, importers and repairers of musical instruments, located in Bow Bazar Street.
The advertisement focused on an instrument that used to be an intrinsic part of Bengali life. It mentions “Mundul Flut”, “Sruty Mundul Flute” and a “box harmonious containing sruties”, and comes with the sketch of a beautiful woman, draped in a sari, with long, wavy hair cascading down her shoulders, sitting on a chair and playing a harmonium placed on her lap.
The ad says:
“The best harmoniums of the day and to play and accompany Bengali, Hindi and English music.”
It adds: “CATALOGUES ON APPLICATION.
Violins, Violas, Violoncellos…Cornets, Horns, Piccolos, Flageolets, Banjos, Guitars, Mandolins, Reeds…
Honest prices. Humble margins.
Prices of Mundul Flutes: Rs 35, 40, 60, 75, 100 and 150.”