thanks also are due mrs. devila mitra , director-general of the archaeological survey of india , for special permission to study the now-restricted zenana quarters beneath the red fort in agra ; to nawab mir sultan alam khan of surat , for assistance in locating obscure historical sites in that city ; to indrani rehman , the grande dame of indian classical dance , for information on the now-abolished devadasi caste ; to ustad vilayat khan , one of indian 's great sitar masters , for discussions concerning his art ; and to my many indian friends in new york , new delhi , and bombay .