#stringsofheritage 3 - Strings of Heritage

Touch and Feel Vs Touchscreen

by Anupama | Jan 15, 2018 | Tours & Experiences

Do you remember the games you played in your childhood? For me it was scraping tender coconut fruits (Bondi) which fell off, pretending to be cooking- complete with leaves as curry and some rice from Amma. We had this nice shady place in our huge backyard with the washing stone. It was so much fun. Then there were the flat stones in our yard… All this being in Mangalore which receives wonderful rains..in the rainy season the water would be like small streams around these stones and we would pretend to cross the river jumping across these stones…I could go on forever and bore you with my memories and plays. But I wonder what memories my child will have of her childhood. When she looks back will it only be Mickey mouse and nick junior or will she remember good times spent with friends? Will she remember the games she played? Right now the pretend plays are based on Bahubali…When I saw this ad by Skola toys Touch and feel vs Touchscreen I could totally relate to it. After all just the previous day we had been for some book shopping and my child picked up everything related to cartoons…it was depressing!

Exploring solutions. Skola toys. Touch and feel vs touchscreen

When I see kids as small as one handle touchscreens, phones, iPads and tabs…my heart worries. What are their memories going to be like? Will they even know that it’s a lot of fun to make friends and play? In these times where most kids are without siblings, parents are exhausted working and no grandparents staying with them… touchscreens seem the natural choice of play. It all begins with rhymes, but you never know when they graduate to games.

Exploring solutions. Skola toys. Touch and feel vs touchscreen..we did it!

Exploring solutions. Skola toys. Touch and feel vs touchscreen

Skola toys are doing a great job at creating toys which bring learning through fun. I especially loved the finger puppets. These can be used to create fun games without parent supervision and the child will learn to make different words while enjoying the learning. And this was just one of the many options where learning is according to age and concept. They have very well defined parameters and guidelines based on which you can choose at each level. I wish my child was two so I could go back and try with all their toys. The toys cater mainly to the 2 to 6 years group and are designed to play with minimal supervision. So the time you just want to be, instead of giving the remote control to our kids we could give them this game and offer to join them in a while. I also loved the sand pendulum which traces the path taken by the pendulam in sand. The best part is that all their toys are made using natural materials like wood and concepts based on textures. They are so much more sturdy and gives a good feel. Infact Jayshri’s child from mommyswall who is all of four could identify the letters based on textures much faster and more accurately than all of us. These toys are available online and also in some stores. I have decided to buy the pendulam set, the multiplication set and the word wheel… All very useful and fun.

Exploring solutions. Skola toys. Touch and feel vs touchscreen

This Children’s Day I can truly say that I relived my childhood and more. Right from the puppet making workshop at Taneira with Puthali toys, the bloggers meet by Skola where I happily played with toys and made new friends, to the Puppet Show at Sankalpa by Rangaputhali...each learning was wonderful, insightful and loads of fun.

Exploring solutions. Skola toys. Touch and feel vs touchscreen

And I have enrolled for a pottery class at Slow Pottery. I am yet to write about it…it’s therapeutic I tell you!
But for now keep the kids away from gadgets. Spend time with them, play with them..because Touch and feel Vs Touchscreen, it’s always your decision.

Life’s a play…

Lots of twinkles to all of you

Anu

Tanjore Art

by Anupama | Dec 15, 2017 | Art & The Artist

Tanjore or Tanjavur art immediately brings to mind gold, precious stones and cherubic Krishnas. It is the art of the royalty which truly flourished as it is today under the rule of the Marathas. Initially adorning walls of temples and palaces, it slowly moved to planks made of teak and rose wood. An elaborate process of preparation is involved in getting the plank ready for the work of art. In the earlier days, the artist would create a piece as per the patron’s wish including the precious stones provided by the patron himself. This was a form of sacrifice, where the riches go back to the Lord but adorn the patron’s house.

Tanjore Art by D Sreenivas

I truly admire the will of the artists to have even to this day maintained the same process on the planks as on the walls. But with the intervention of modern techniques and supplies being available, many of the laborious processes have been tweaked to give the same effect with less pain. This has its advantages as well as disadvantages. Where the end product remains the same, many argue that the natural materials enhance the beauty of the painting over time. Though materials are more easily available when we opt for the modern techniques, the processes largely remain the same.

D Sreenivas – Tanjore Artist

Tanjore Art by D Sreenivas – Work in Progress

Mr. D Sreenivas is one such artist who has been working on Tanjore art and Mysore art for more than 20 years now. He tells me that initially it was only teak or rosewood planks being joined together and used as the base. His large repertoire of work consists of the three broad categories of Tanjore, the ones devoted to Vaishnavism, Shaivism and the last one of kings, saints and others. Tanjore art mainly portrays Gods and Godesses as the main icon under the canopy or Prabhavali flanked by other gods, humans and animals. In the earlier paintings, gold was not used as extensively as in the later mid 19^th century paintings. The earlier works also had influences of the west where angels could be seen in the sky showering flowers on the diety. In the present context most of the paintings have large isolated deities compared to the more elaborately composed works of the yesteryears.

Tanjore Art by D Sreenivas Work in progress

In the earlier days, the canvas consisted of sliced wood planks over which a cardboard would be pasted and over that two layers of cloth. The glue used in those days was made of tamarind seeds. After which white lime paste formed the base to toughen the canvas. This lime paste actually later reacted with the colours making them brighter over the years. In the current format most of the artists use cartridge sheet as the base. The lime paste canvas was then smoothened with a polishing stone and the sketch drawn. An adhesive paste was then formed using raw unboiled lime with the glue of a local tree. The main attraction of Tanjore art is the three dimensional effect given by this layer of paste. Applying two layers gives it a raised platform mainly used to depict and engrave the architectural details, the canopies and jewellery. On this raised part the gold foil is applied and precious stones placed after demarcating and cutting out the gold foil in the identified areas. The remaining portion is then painted. The colours that stand out are pink, green, blue.

Tanjore Art by D Sreenivas

Mr Sreenivas has done several paintings ranging from the tiniest frames to the huge ones. Having loved art from a very young age, he says his notebooks had more drawings than notes. Choosing to follow his passion for art, he pursued a course offered at Chitrakala Parishat in Traditional art and also had mentors in the field of art. He also teaches Tanjore and Mysore art to art enthusiasts. Some of his Tanjore paintings and some work in progress which he generously shared with me have been featured here. Strings of heritage will be collaborating with Mr. Sreenivas in this coming year to bring the beauty of Tanjore to many more homes. Will post updates on workshops shortly.

Until then, twinkles to all of you.

Anupama

Kaavad from Rajasthan

by Anupama | Dec 1, 2017 | Art & The Artist

He does not tire easily…in the forty minutes that I was there, Dwarka Prasad Jangid easily re told the story of Ramayana, Mahabharata, Meena and Krishna at least three times. And how! With pictures painted on the panels of the Kaavad from Rajasthan, a mobile temple or story telling on the go…it is an art of story telling which is easily 500 years old. Made of wood from the mango tree, it is a box which consists of panels of paintings opening to reveal hidden stories, panel after panel. Just like a temple, the doors are guarded by the two sentries, Jaya Vijay (You can check out their story here.) As the doors open, the story is revealed…and stops at the innermost sanctum sanctorium. The bigger, more elaborate Kaavads also have additional panels on stories of people. The Kaavad also has a compartment for money. There is a disclaimer on the Kaavad that the money given to the story teller will be utilised for the holy cows. And all those who listen to the story will be rewarded and blessed. But if the story is not heard, then they will be cursed.

Kaavad from Rajasthan. Pic Credit – Tejasweeni Iyer

This art is from Rajasthan and though not known to many urbanites, in the villages, it is a ritual to call the story teller. The story teller wraps it in cloth and carries it around on his shoulder.They travel from place to place and each story teller has patrons where he visits repeatedly, not just to tell them stories from mythology but also to recall the family’s forefathers whose names and deeds he talks of. This is a sacred ritual for the family where they remember their forefathers and also listen to stories from mythology. Dwarka Prasad Jangid from Chittorgarh tells me that it all started when temples were being destroyed by invaders. The mobile temple, the Kaavad from Rajasthan was how the stories and Gods continued to spread, in all their glory.

Painting on fabric from Rajasthan. Pic Credit – Tejasweeni Iyer

Kaavad from Rajasthan

This art is also an example of how with the changing times, the artisan also changes. There is this story of Meena, a girl in Rajasthan, who is given an opportunity to study when her teacher convinces her father. She studies diligently, goes to London for her higher studies and also exhibits her father’s art work there. She comes back to India and starts a self help group and a school for girls. One educated girl changes the future of many...”Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.”(Save and educate the girl child) and off course in the end, she gets married to a suitable boy selected by her parents (after all it’s the ideal happily ever after scenario) I loved this story. It has all the elements of our mega serials but without the drama. It is a story of hope. This Kaavad from Rajasthan symbolises our hope as a nation.

Kaavad from Rajasthan

I got a small ‘Kaavad’ for myself. Every handicraft has a story to tell and more so, the Kaavad from Rajasthan. It calls to me as it does to so many others to take it home and continue the saga of story telling. So when you are at the eighth edition of A Hundred Hands annual collective, make sure to visit this stall to listen to his stories and take home one for the little ones. Dwarka Prasad Jangid makes these Kaavads, paintings on wood, fabric and the puppets. And he is ever ready with the stories.

Kaavad from Rajasthan

Tips for home decor….I think this would make a great addition to a wall gallery or could be a part of your coffee table decor. The possibilities are endless…And when you are at the collective, do take a selfie with the gond art and the madhubani panels.Post on FB and share the joy with friends.

Twinkles to all of you.

Anupama.

Inscription Stones Of Bangalore

by Anupama | Nov 18, 2017 | Art & The Artist

Old inscription stones of Bangalore -At first glance, you would think they were illegible and in a language not known to you. But on closer inspection of the pictures you realise it’s in Kannada. Of the 150 (Only within Bangalore) recorded by Mr. B L Rice from 1894 to 1905 in Epigraphia Carnatica only 27 are in existence now. Mr. Uday Kumar an engineer by profession started looking for these stones when he heard of one such stone in his vicinity in Rajajinagar and was disappointed as he did not find it. But he did not give up and went in search of the other inscription stones. When he discussed this with his cycling buddy, Mr. Vinay Kumar, he volunteered to be part of the project. In their words, “What started as a conversation ended up as an exhibition.” With each of these stones, there are stories. Stories on how they found it or didn’t find it, the condition they found it in and the stories on these stones.

Inscription Stones Of Bangalore -There were many youngsters going through the history of Bangalore

What is the purpose of this exhibition of inscription stones of Bangalore? I was expecting the inscription stones to be at the museum but was surprised to only see their pictures. If the intention is to preserve these, shouldn’t we just keep them in a museum? So many questions and all of them are answered here….in the stories you hear from Mr. Uday Kumar and Mr. Vinay Kumar.

Inscription Stones Of Bangalore -Mr. Uday Kumar and Mr. Vinay Kumar. Pic Credit -PeeVee

I especially liked the story of Chikabettahalli and the new found pride of the localites in their place of birth. Where urbanisation has brought Vidyaranyapura to the forefront, kids from Chikabettahalli might rather say they are from Vidyaranyapura. But now when they have realised they have a stone inscription from 1524AD mentioning their place and the history, it is a matter of pride for them to belong here.

Inscription Stones Of Bangalore -The Old and young

A broken stone– It speaks of our lassitude where our history is concerned. Leaning against a temple wall, painted a brick red to match the temple and burning leaves against it, the stone finally broke down. You can see this inscription stone at the museum or rather whatever is left of it. These inscription stones of Bangalore also play an important part in language study and give us an understanding of those times.

Inscription Stones Of Bangalore

The story of the shepherd, who did not know the stone was in any way special. But when Mr. Uday Kumar told him about its significance, he has taken ownership and now explains the significance of the stone to all who come to see it. The story of the priest who does not understand the language but has his family tree traced to the stone inscription and takes good care of it. The stories are many and are best told by Mr. Uday Kumar. With their interest and efforts, Mr. Uday Kumar and team have brought about enormous change in how we see our history and feel about the place we all call home, Bengaluru.

Inscription Stones Of Bangalore.

This is a crowd funded program, supported by the archaeological department and the government. But more importantly it’s the culmination of the work and efforts by Mr. Uday Kumar and team. Beginning this August, I doubt they have taken any holidays. Working at day jobs as engineers, they have given all their spare time to this project. And the engineers that they are, it’s been beautifully presented with the sole purpose of creating awareness and pride in our history. They also recieved support from across the world with all the different aspects of the exhibition on ‘Inscription Stones of Bangalore’.

Inscription Stones Of Bangalore

The inscription stone dated 900 AD found in Begur near silk board has the first mention of Bengaluru. So Bengaluru is older than Kempegowda…there’s proof. There’s also proof for the cosmopolitan nature of Bengaluru from as far back as 1350AD, where Kannadiga kings had inscription stones done in Telugu and Tamil to facilitate the local population. You can also see the method in which such inscriptions were understood. The paper used to record the writing using water and paint was demonstrated by the archeology department and is kept as part of the exhibit.

Inscription Stones Of Bangalore

Children will also get to take postcards with the history of the stone inscription and a special cancellation seal which the postal department has come up with featuring the name Bengaluru as on the inscription stones of Bangalore. My child was totally excited about posting the postcard to herself. Unfortunately we were so engrossed in the process; I did not click any pictures (This reminds me that she has no idea about letters, the post office and the post box! She thought it was like a temple hundi!) Just shows that in this digital age we need to make efforts to teach them something that we took for granted...the post office in our neighbourhood.

Inscription Stones Of Bangalore

Inscription Stones Of Bangalore. Pic Credit- Invite to the Exhibition

These ‘Inscription Stones of Bangalore’ make our history…history is not in our textbooks but derived from these stones. Just like the drawings on caves helped us unearth the roots of our civilization, these stones are witness to the times gone by. They tell us of traders who donated to temples and so exempted from paying taxes in return (Tax was a pain point even then!), of brave hearts who lost their lives (Veeragallu or herostones), of kings who conquered and rewards received….Let us give them our Sunday…listen to their stories from those who have been with them and understand the times that these stones come from.

Lots of Twinkles to all of you.

Anupama

The Puppet Show

by Anupama | Nov 17, 2017 | Art & The Artist

Looks like its Raining Puppets! After my post on the Puppet Making Workshop, I had an opportunity to see a Puppet show at Sankalpa School. I could feel their excitement in the air. They were all curious to see what it was that would enfold before them when the curtains were raised. As an introduction to puppets in India began and the curtain was raised on the Puppet Show, the kids burst out clapping.

The Puppet show by Rangaputhali at Sankalpa- The Tenali Raman Troupe of puppets

With the Ganapathi puppet seated on a pedestal, the other two puppets were singing and dancing, praising lord Ganapathi. Right from a burning aarathi for the lord’s pooja to the garland of flowers to decorate the Lord, it was as real as it could get. One of the puppets also brought out a placard wishing the children a ‘Happy Children’s Day’. The prayer ended with the two of them falling at the feet of the diety. Mr. Vijay, who is one of the sons of M R Ranganatha Rao, the legendary puppeteer tells me that the Ganapathi puppet in wood is more than 250 years old and has been in their family for generations. They use the ancient form of Mysore Rod Puppetry and also the string puppets. The puppets are all beautifully carved in wood and dressed resplendently.

The Puppet show by Rangaputhali at Sankalpa- 250 years old Ganapathi Puppet in wood

The Puppet show by Rangaputhali at Sankalpa- The Aarati used is quite real with the diya burning!

After the prayer, the children were introduced to the dandiya group of puppets. Let me tell you, they were the centre of attraction for the kids in the entire Puppet Show. This was a set of puppets all attached to one ring and the loop at the centre controls their hands. Believe me! The set is quite heavy, though the dexterity with which it was being wielded by the puppeteer, you wouldn’t know it. In fact when they winded up the puppet show, they took the puppets among the kids and all of them held the puppet strings and made them dance. When I was offered a chance, I immediately took it up. It was so much fun…but lots of muscle power too.

The Puppet show by Rangaputhali at Sankalpa

Then there was the snake and the snake charmer. Right from the dressing of the snake charmer to the snake in banares silk, it was an entertainer. In fact Mr. Vijay jovially brought the snake puppet out among the kids even as the show was going on…some were quite brave and didn’t flinch. I quite remembered my daughter…as we were watching Snow White on TV, I was in tears as the dwarfs were mourning for Snow White and my daughter says, “Why are you crying Amma? It’s not real!” Off course…Silly me! So these days kids are more alert to what’s real and what’s not!

The Puppet show by Rangaputhali at Sankalpa- The Mysore Rod Puppet

The Puppet show by Rangaputhali at Sankalpa- The Dandiya Puppet set

The Puppet show by Rangaputhali at Sankalpa -Curious hands at the strings

The Puppet show by Rangaputhali at Sankalpa

The Puppet Show also had a play on Tenali Rama and the king. For every dialogue, you could see the corresponding movement and body language of the puppet. It was the scene of the king asking the ministers to tell him the total number of crows in the kingdom and Tenali Rama cleverly says that they are as many as the majesty’s hair. When the king asks for a number, he gives a random number. But the king is not satisfied and says that he will have them counted. To which Tenali Rama replies that if they are found to be less, the crows would be visiting their relatives and if more, then the neighbouring crows must have come for a visit. With this the whole court bursts out laughing and so do we, as we remember this story. The Puppet Show is a beautiful way to remember these stories which lie forgotten in our own childhood.

The Puppet show by Rangaputhali at Sankalpa -Tenali Rama

The Puppet Show ends on a joyous note where the stage setting is removed and the puppeteers join the kids for a dance along with the puppets…some of the kids being as big and some smaller than the puppets!

The Puppet show by Rangaputhali at Sankalpa -The child was smaller than the puppet!

It was a lovely thought to have the kids see something as special as a puppet show. In this day and age where there is no dearth of entertainment on TV and tabs, it becomes important to expose this generation to the only entertainment that the earlier generations had. If not for our encouragement and patronage, this art will surely not survive. Sankalpa Montessori school is definitely doing a great job in encouraging the artists to continue the legacy. Kudos to the school and Rangaputhali for continuing the legacy of puppets which began with M R Ranganatha Rao.

The Puppet show by Rangaputhali at Sankalpa

More on Rangaputhali and the making of these puppets in another post! In the meanwhile they can be contacted at or 08022428313 for programs and puppet shows.

Hope you enjoyed the show. The video will be uploaded soon on this show.

Lots of Twinkles to you.

Have a great weekend.

Anupama

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