Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Nomads who archive family details

About Bangalore(Bengaluru) / Karnataka, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All
A Helava community member with documents in his possession. / by Special Arrangement / The Hindu
A Helava community member with documents in his possession. / by Special Arrangement / The Hindu

Helavas have documents containing the genealogy of almost all families in 10 districts

They may look like members of yet another nomadic tribe moving from one place to the other. The big difference is that people in certain parts of the State look upon their arrival eagerly, as the bundles that they carry contain documented information dating back centuries.

Helavas, traditional archivists, have documents containing the genealogy of almost all families in every village and town in Belgaum, Dharwad, Bijapur, Bagalkot, Haveri, Gadag, Bellary, Uttara Kannada, Davangere and Chitradurga districts.

Their traditional occupation is to visit every household in different groups, read out the genealogy, and add on details of new members of the family.

Perhaps, it is the only community in India that has made archiving a source of livelihood. Families offer them money, gold and silver articles, and foodgrains in return. Their inherited skills of archiving can leave modern archivists awestruck.

K.S. Korishettar, a lawyer in the Karnataka High Court, said he got details of nearly 10 generations of his family from them. “The oldest details are in copper plates which appear to be reliable. The names of ancestors of three to four generations in the Helava records are accurate. They have legal sanctity and courts have termed them valid documents in some partition-related suits,” he said.

“Earlier, people would give donations in kind. But today, most of the families pay in cash. We earn enough for our subsistence,” Fakirappa of Hadagali village said. He said they have some ancient records written on copper plates and palm leaves.

Their lifestyle too has not changed over the years. During their tour, they stay in tents and use bullock carts to commute. Women are mainly engaged in household work.

The legend has it that the Helavas existed from the days of Basaveshwara. An extensive research of their documents may unearth several interesting facts.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by N. Dinesh Nayak / Dharwad – December 13th, 2013

Kundapur: Taluk Kannada Sahitya Sammelan Held for First Time in Siddapura

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Kundapur :

The taluk Kannada Sahitya Parishat organized Sahitya Sammelan at Siddapura, near here on Sunday December 8.

The former MLA A G Kodgi hoisted the national flag at freedom fighter the late Bailu Krishnaraya Kodgi stage here on Saturday morning.

Udupi district Kannada Sahitya Sammelan chairman Nilavara Surendra Adiga released the new books.

The Sammelan chairman K K Kalavar in his presidential address urged the parents to instill patriotism, respect the religion and develop helping nature in their children during their childhood.

Kundapur taluk Kannad Parishat president K Narayan Karvi hoisted the flag of Parishat.

Dakkeru Balu Yashawant Kamat flagged-off the procession, while Manibailu Shivaram Shetty inaugurated the late Kadri Narayan Master stage.  The former MLA B Appanna Hegde inaugurated the exhibition of books.

MLA Haladi Srinivas Shetty felicitated the veterans for their significant achievement in their respective spheres.

The artistic carvings of different vegetables by Raghavendra Mogaveera Kodlady were the key attraction of the Sammelan.

Seminars and cultural programmes by social welfare organizations and students of different schools were held on the occasion.

The members of Stree Shakti self-help-groups, teachers and volunteers assisted for the success of the programme.

The dignitaries from literary sphere and politicians were also present.

The Sammelan reception Committee president D Gopalakrishna Kamat welcomed the gathering.  The secretary Dr Jagdish Shetty proposed vote of thanks.  Santosh Kumar Shetty and Prashant compered the programme.

source: http://www.bellevision.com / BelleVision.com / Home> News / by Bernard J D’Costa, Bellevision Media Network / Kundapar – December 12th, 2013

The dazzling duo

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy
Suma Prakash and Suma Dinesh at their newly-opened office Flames in city.
Suma Prakash and Suma Dinesh at their newly-opened office Flames in city.

Mysore :

Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of the former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt and a human rights activist who was renowned as the First Lady of the World has once beautifully said about women that ‘a woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.’

The saying speaks volumes about a woman’s endless capabilities that make her special. And what could be the strength of women power when two delightfully energetic women join hands together? Needless to say, they can achieve wonders. Want a of for the same? Here is one:

Meet the entrepreneur-duo Suma Prakash and Suma Dinesh from city whose story could inspire many a young aspiring entrepreneurs. The ladies who are into the business of event management since almost a decade now, set up their firm named Flames about 9 years ago, not just with a view to start up something different but also to make it big as entrepreneurs in a world so full of challenges.

What started as an initiative taken during kitty parties, ladies club celebrations or simple events in their own children’s school soon became a passion and a way of life for the two. “Back then, when event management itself was little known to the people of Mysore, we had a very difficult time convincing people as to what we were actually into,” recalls Suma Prakash, adding: “but we took every small, big and challenging opportunity that came our way and strived for perfection with every event that we organised. The journey started there and there has been no looking back since then.”

Explaining that they have organised about 100 weddings and over 200 other kinds of events such as birthday parties, baby showers, corporate events and more, Suma Dinesh says, “When we initially started it, it was a major challenge, especially because it is just us two women who ran up and down to plan and organise everything. But now, we are so well versed and have such cooperative people associated with us that it has all become really easy for us now.”

And according to both the ladies, the credit goes to their respective families which they say have thoroughly cooperated with them from day one. “It is no easy thing to let all things at your home haywire and reach out to perfectly organise someone else’s big day. There have been times at which we have both reached homes at almost 1 in the night, yet our families did not object even a single bit and thus been our biggest strengths.

Suma & Suma have constantly persevered to achieve professionalism, perfection and utmost customer satisfaction, with an endeavour to serve their clients better.

“Today, we feel extremely happy when people compliment us for the way we organise events, especially weddings. And each time a wedding gets over, we feel like we have achieved something special.

The ladies have newly opened an office of their own on city’s Valmiki Road in V.V. Mohalla. For details call: You can contact them on: 98866-19954 or 98452-71051.

— AN

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / December 22nd, 2013

“What is a Pinhole ? Such is the ignorance of today’s Photographers ”

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Travel, World Opinion

ThippeswamyBF24dec2013City’s eminent cinematographer & photographer, S. Thippeswamy, in a candid conversation…

One photograph published in one daily newspaper, the photographer immediately poses and puffs smoke rings and claims that he is a professional photojournalist, wildlife photographer and more,” commented city’s eminent cinematographer and wildlife photographer S. Thippeswamy, with a wry smile on his face.

This and other candid comments are made at an impromptu addaa sessions deep in the basement of ‘Ramsons House’ in city.

The prickly subject of professional photographers and their art came up when someone present commented on the great annual Pinhole Camera Photography contest conducted by a top professional photography magazine in USA and top photographers from across the globe test their skills using a handmade cardboard pinhole camera!

“To use an ordinary box camera or pinhole camera to photograph people or places, that is the mark of a true professional,” says Thippeswamy. “A thorough knowledge of light, composition and most important of all, the ability to see the photograph in the mind’s eye, the third eye. If I were to ask today’s professionals, then they will ask, ‘What is a pinhole? Who is pinhole …?’ such is their ignorance…” says Thippeswamy.

R.G. Singh of Ramsons Kala Pratishtana in a brief tete-a-tete with Thippeswamy. Excerpts…

R.G. Singh (RGS): “One swallow does not a summer or (is it spring?) make…” Similarly one or even several photographs published here and there does not make one a true professional…” Like Jiddu Krishnamurthy would often say in his talks, can we go a little deeper into this issue?

S. Thippeswamy: It took me more than 30 years of continuous learning process and I am still learning even to this day. Photography is much more than just a sophisticated camera that does all the work for you. The true photographer is one who has been drawn to this field because he has a passion and the commitment to make it a lifelong mistress!

RGS: As you have done so… made photography your lifelong mistress !

Thippeswamy: (Laughs) Yes, a very jealous mistress! passion and commitment, Sir, passion and commitment! There is romance in photography. You learn the art of composition, the play of light and shade… a vision forms in your mind and that is where the first photograph is created in your mind …even before you click the shutter.

RGS: You have to be a technician too, right ?

Thippeswamy: The old box cameras required human expertise. I still have my old Voigtländer camera and several others too like the Brownie wherein you had to check the focal length, aperture speed and so on and then the actual taking of the picture. It needs a keen eye, the ability to see the picture in the mind’s eye. Photography is a lifelong love affair. If it isn’t there, then what you will get is just a picture. (Laughs)

RGS: Then the films had to be sent for processing …?

Thippeswamy: After all that work, the films would be sent to be processed and then till the finished prints arrived you would never know how the photographs would turn out… Of course, later I began making the prints myself in my dark room.

RGS: From being a professional photographer for magazines and brochures to wildlife, how did this transition occur?

Thippeswamy: I have previously done corporate photography and industrial photography too. They needed a different perspective, the advertising angle. The photographs had to sell the product. The image had to be eye-catching, only then would the customer read the text. The photographs of people and places to illustrate magazine and newspaper articles also needed a different perspective. Wildlife and nature photographs need solid discipline — to blend with nature and the animal’s habitat. It takes years to mature as a nature and wildlife photographer. I have done more than 200 documentaries and have got four national awards.

RGS: One documentary which impressed you most?

Thippeswamy: In 1972, I made a documentary on tribes like Kaadu Kurubas, Jenu Kurubas and Soligas for the Information Department which was well received. This was a documentation of the lives of these tribes for their rehabilitation from core forest areas. Interviews with them, documenting their lifestyle and their closeness to nature and wildlife… it was a lot of effort, but worth it. I have also made documentaries for the Central Institute of Indian Languages and the Abdul Nazir Sab Institute for Rural Development (ANSIRD). I also made nine short films for ANSIRD. All of them were greatly appreciated.

RGS: When did you take to jungle trails?

Thippeswamy: You see, I did not become a wildlife photographer overnight. I was a member of the camera unit of several film studios including Kanteerava Studios for years before I moved on to a career as a photographer for the Mysore Medical College. Around this time, it was in 1979 that I began photographing the monuments and heritage buildings of the city and some of them were published in a few dailies. They were spotted by journalist M.B. Singh who was then the Editor of Sudha and Prajavani. M. B. Singh, who I consider my Godfather, gave me several assignments.

A fellow professional who had seen my work one day challenged me to photograph wildlife which he said was more difficult. Thus in 1981, I took up wildlife photography as a challenge as this particular field requires several attributes, like patience, using whatever light is available and not frightening the subject. Animals are wary of humans and to click them without arousing any nervousness in them is an art that has to be learnt and no textbook can teach you that… I have covered all wildlife reserves and national parks in the State and most across the country.

RGS: One last question… your advice to the budding photographers?

Thippeswamy: First, it is an expensive profession. Do you have the financial ability to live off your work? The equipments like cameras, lenses, etc., are expensive, can you afford them? Can you afford to spend days in difficult conditions without basic necessities? Can you spend time away from your job, family for days? If the answer is positive to all these questions, only then should you should become a photographer. Let your photographs do the talking. Do not become mere posers !

— R.G. Singh

Awards & Fellowships

‘Lifetime Achievement in Photojournalism’ by Karnataka Media Academy; Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s ‘E. Hanumantha Rao Lifetime Award’ for achievements in wildlife photography; ‘Raghavendra Chitravani’ Award for film and TV work , Public Relations Council of India (PRCI), Bangalore Chapter’s ‘Samvahana Award,’ for contribution to wildlife photography. Fellowship of the Photographic Society of America (2005); Proficiency Distinction for the Nature category (2005); Award for Best Thematic Nature photography by UNESCO supported Federation of International De L’Art Photography (1995) and Fellowship of The British Royal Photographic Society (1992).

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by R. G. Singh / December 18th, 2013

Art runs in her blood …You think of it , she creates it

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
Truly amazing...Sea shell replicas of Taj Mahal and a Shiva Temple at Radha‘s Kalashree Bhandar.
Truly amazing…Sea shell replicas of Taj Mahal and a Shiva Temple at Radha‘s Kalashree Bhandar.

Mysore :

Being an artist is one thing and being a versatile one is something else altogether. And showing versatility to such an extent that you end up seeing art in almost every single thing that you come across is something all the more exceptional. Now, who wouldn’t want to meet an artist so nifty? Come, we’ll introduce you to one.

Meet Radha Mallappa, a city based artist who sees art and artistry in almost any medium that she comes across. Having gotten into the world of creating thing artistic almost 30 years ago, she is one person who we can quite valiantly say has downrightly dedicated her life to fine arts. Give her anything from coconut shell to sand; stones and thread to sea shells; cotton, clay or glass; she can create an art piece out of it! Surprising isn’t it?

But for 51-year-old Radha, art is a thing as easy as a pie. She has created so many artworks that she has a museum of her own at her home at Bannimantap in city which is a storehouse of all her beautiful artworks. Called ‘Kalashree Bhandar,’ the museum is a place worth a visit for all the art lovers, as it houses art works created out of over 150 different mediums by Radha.

But how does she manage to create artworks of such diverse forms? “I spend about 8-10 hrs a day on this hobby of mine,” she replies. Ask her if she doesn’t find it difficult to juggle between housework and hobby and pat comes the reply, “I somehow manage. I cannot give upon my hobby at any cost. And I am glad I am equally encouraged by my husband and mother at home, who thoroughly cooperate.”

Some of the latest additions to her museum include a 10 ft tall model of the famous Taj Mahal and a 12 ft tall model of a Shiva Temple, both made out of sea shells. They are created out of over 20 different varieties of sea shells brought in from various places across the country as well as a few imported from places abroad.

What’s more, apart from being so artistic, the artist has also tried her hands in singing, Kannada poetry writing and is also an Ayurveda practitioner who has been successful in healing several people suffering from various ailments since many years now. And for all her efforts, Radha Mallappa has received several awards continuously ever since the year 2001. Some of them include the ‘Bharat Jyoti Award’ from the National Integration and Economic Council, ‘Kittur Rani Chennamma award,’ ‘Hoysala award,’ ‘Kala Sarawathi award,’ ‘Aryabhata,’ ‘Amoghavarsha,’ and ‘Sir M.Visvevaraya’ awards.

Radha is married to businessman Mallappa and resides at No 25, KSRTC Colony in Hanumantha Nagar, Mysore. — AN

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / December 18th, 2013

A foot-tapping start to DHiE dance contest

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education

Ranging from folk and hip-hop to contemporary, there were several marvellous dance performances by the various schools participating in the group dance competition organised by Deccan Herald in Education (DHiE) at Bal Bhavan on Thursday. 

DanceBF23dec2013

The infectious percussive beats and the joyous dances of the Zone B schools brought one of the most enjoyable dance competitions to a fizzing, foot-tapping start.

The contest for the Zone A schools will be held next week.

In the Junior category, the cultural dance group of St Philomena’s Public School won the first prize with their eclectic performance of the ‘dashavataras’ of Lord Vishnu.

The second prize was won by Army Public School and the third by Florence Public School, RT Nagar.

In the Senior category, the first prize was won by St John’s English School, Amruthahalli, for their perfect comic act on an old Kannada song. The second prize was won by St Philomena’s Public School, Doddabylakere, and the third by MS Ramaiah Vidyaniketan, MSR Nagar.

Altogether, 17 schools from the Junior category and 24 schools from the Senior category participated in the competition. With a view to educate people on Disabilities Day, the young dancers of Florence Public School, RT Nagar, presented a heartwarming performance on the dream of a handicapped boy.

SBM, Blossoms, from the Senior group, delighted everyone with their confident dancing and presented a tribute to Lord Ganpathi. The students of Cambridge English High School danced to a power-packed Rajasthani folk song.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> City / Bangalore, DHNS – December 12th, 2013

City’s aroma bakery creates a 548-Kg replica of Lalitha Mahal Palace !

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Records, All
A cake replica of Lalitha Mahal Palace displayed at Loyal World, V.V. Mohalla. Picture right shows the actual architectural marvel — Lalitha Mahal Palace.
A cake replica of Lalitha Mahal Palace displayed at Loyal World, V.V. Mohalla. Picture right shows the actual architectural marvel — Lalitha Mahal Palace.

Mysore :

Chefs and bakers of Loyal World Aroma Bakery at Vontikoppal in city, inspired by the architectural beauty of Lalitha Mahal Palace have prepared a replica of the structure in the form of a cake.

Toiling for about 28 days, the team of chefs and bakers completed the cake at the cost of Rs. 1.35 lakh, weighing about 548 kgs and measuring six and a half feet tall and five and a half feet wide.

Imran Khan, Bakery Manager, said that the bakery prepares and displays such structures in the form of cakes especially during Christmas and New Year seasons.

This year, the Lalitha Mahal Palace was chosen for its architectural marvel.

The replica, created by chefs Lal, Shaneesh, Ramesh, Irshad, Ashok,Jasmir, Rangaswamy, Rashid and Mahender will be on display at Loyal World, V.V. Mohalla, till Dec. 31.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / December 16th, 2013

Pune, Bangalore NGOs to work for shared parenting

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized

Seeking to eliminate parental alienation of children of separated and divorced parents, a Bangalore-based NGO Saturday said it has joined hands with the city’s Men’s Rights Association (MRA) to work against gender-biased laws.

“Children’s Rights Initiative for Shared Parenting, Bangalore and MRA, Pune will jointly take forward the cause for children who suffer on account of their estranged parents due to increasing separation or divorce cases,” CRISP president Kumar V. Jahgirdar told IANS.

With a strong presence in Mumbai, Delhi, Nagpur, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and other cities, Jahgirdar hopes that the Pune chapter with MRA would help mitigate the sufferings of men who are at a disadvantage owing to gender-biased laws.

“We are a pro-family and pro-life NGO engaged in promoting social harmony and comprise people from all walks of life like IT, medical, teaching and business who have been deprived of children’s love due to the anti-father mindset prevalent in our society,” said MRA president Mahesh Shinde.

Usually, in divorce cases, one of vengeful parents deprives the child of the love, affection and care of the other parents which is a form of child abuse, he said.

As a result kids suffer from consequences of permanent psychological damage due to the parental alienation syndrome and reactive associative disorders, in which they don’t establish healthy bonds with others, Shinde said.

Citing studies, he cautioned that such children tend to become criminals later in life for which society itself is responsible, unless shared parenthood is properly permitted.

One of the measures suggested was setting up of special courts to dispose of child custody cases within six months and Supreme Court guidelines on the issue, Jahgirdar said.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> News-IANS> Human Interest-Society / by IANS / Pune – December 14th, 2013

Yoga tourism in Mysore can be a big money-spinner

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Travel, World Opinion

by N.K.A. Ballal, Retd. Sr. Vice-President, ITDC

BallalBF18dec2013How many of you are aware of the fact that Mysore is the yoga capital of India? About 4 to 5000 students stay in the city for a period of three months throughout the year getting training in about 10 centres spread across the city. It is also a well-known fact that several Hollywood stars and celebrities have got their yoga training from masters teaching at these very centres. Think of the economic benefit of this form of tourism to this great city if the number of students double.

But as usual, our officials of Department of Tourism are laid back and are not taking advantage of this phenomena to bring in more yoga tourists to Mysore. The fact that Mysore is an important destination for yoga is not at all publicised and even our own people are not aware of this. It is not necessary that we depend on only foreign tourists but well-heeled gentry from our own country can come here for training. Yoga tourism can be a big money-spinner and since it involves local talent, it will ensure the overall benefit for the city.

But where is the festival of yoga being held in India? Surprised ? It is not in Mysore but in “Goa.” Ironical but true. We have a pro-active tourism officials of that State who capitalised on this idea and are holding a festival of yoga in their State in the month of December 2013. Better late than never, let us at least try to recreate these festivals which are called “Life spirit festivals” next year in our city to capitalise on the advantage of being the yoga capital of India.

There are 5 yoga festivals planned currently all over the world and I would like to enumerate them for the benefit of readers for them to get an idea of the variety on offer.

1. Zambhala in Goa, December 2013: This festival planned on December 21 and 22 is supposed to be the biggest yoga festival in India. The two-day event promises to bring in 70 of the best yoga teachers, spiritual teachers, practitioners and healers from all over the world. That is not all; the festival also has special sessions on sufi-whirling and special workshops on new and different meditation techniques, crystal healing, chanting and also star-gazing.

2. Bali Spirit Festival in Ubud, March 2014: This festival started in 2008 and now has become a hot tourist spot for practitioners of various forms of yoga, meditation and other spiritual healing. The festival has about 150 day-time workshops by top instructors and special “bhakthi” series of devotional music. This festival has some special classes for children also.

3. Berlin Yoga Festival, June 2014: One of the largest 4-day festivals of Europe, the festival presents health related, philosophical and special emphasis on sports aspects of yoga therapy. Yoga experts from all over the world share their experience in the interactive sessions.

4. Wanderlust Festival at Oahu, Hawaii: This fest brings together Chefs, DJ and other forms of music therapy and also combines music and meditation along with hiking, all-night chakra-spinning sessions and tasting of farm to table dinners.

5. Caribbean Yoga Conference at Jamaica, Jan. 2014: This four-day festival is hosted at Jamaica. One learns the core spiritual values of ayurveda practice, that is sahana, seva and sangha. This festival has a nice circus yoga programme, an enjoyable event for children.

I have a suggestion. The Department of Tourism officials can go on a jaunt to at least two of these festivals to find out as to how these international events are planned and executed.

We have three revered Godmen — Sri Ravishankar Guruji, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev — who would go out of the way to help develop Mysore. They have a huge following and any festival held with their blessings would automatically become a success.

Mysore has only one activity, that is Dasara and one more big event in the form of yoga festival can be a big money-spinner for the city. A vibrant yoga festival, world class, held year after year means tremendous economic benefit for the local population. But this event need not be a government-sponsored one. It can be a private enterprise also. All the ten centres of yoga training can come together, hire an event manager and do this, with active support from the Seers. There is no use waiting for our government which is in a hibernation mode to get up and act. They will wake up only by next June or July for next year’s Dasara.

We have a huge agarbathi industry, which can also sponsor this event with professional help to ensure that this event can be a profitable venture. A win-win venture. Think of the TV coverages and advertisements; both national and international. I sincerely appeal R. Guru, Chairman, Rangarao & Sons, to give active support for such an event. Sir, once you give the green signal, other like-minded Mysoreans will follow. Let us not wait for this government to wake up. Let me at least dream of an international yoga festival for next year at Mysore and hope it comes true.

[e-mail: ananthballal@ yahoo.com]

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / December 12th, 2013

Ganjifa Raghupathi Bhat remembers art connoisseur Wadiyar

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All

( Left -1) City’s renowned artist Ganjifa Raghupathi Bhat interviewed by K.B. Ganapathy, Editor -in-Chief, Star of Mysore.( Right - 2) The Wadiyar couple with artist Ganjifa Raghupathi Bhat. [Pic by by S. Thippeswamy]
( Left -1) City’s renowned artist Ganjifa Raghupathi Bhat interviewed by K.B. Ganapathy, Editor -in-Chief, Star of Mysore.( Right – 2) The Wadiyar couple with artist Ganjifa Raghupathi Bhat. [Pic by by S. Thippeswamy]
by K.B. Ganapathy

I first met Mahaswami at the Palace along with the Taranga Kannada Weekly Editor Santosh Kumar Gulwadi. That was for the purpose of interviewing Wadiyar for an article on his Private Durbar. He was shown some of my paintings, including Ganjifa paintings. He went through those paintings showing keen interest and said that his great-grandfather Krishnaraja Wadiyar III was in fact the creator of 18 Ganjifa card games and also wrote the slokas for those paintings on each card,” said the renowned city artist Ganjifa Raghupathi Bhat, who is responsible for reviving the Ganjifa paintings, which was on the verge of extinction.

Recalling his memories about Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, the last scion of the Mysore Royal Family who died yesterday in Bangalore, Bhat said that Wadiyar had visited his art museum Chitra Saale in Srirangapatna about three times, twice with his wife Pramodadevi and spent about an hour going through the exhibited art works with great interest and even wrote his opinion in the visitors book.

Bhat recalled Wadiyar calling him and asking him to get a few artists from the artists camp that was going on at that time. Accordingly, Bhat took artists Srihari, Vijay Hagargundi, Nagure and another two to the Palace. Wadiyar received them warmly, served them with coffee in silverware and went through their paintings rather critically.

Bhat was astonished at the immense knowledge about paintings Wadiyar displayed when the latter chanted a Sanskrit sloka ‘Kauthuka Nidhi’ from the book ‘Srithatva Nidhi’ written by Sri Krishnaraja Wadiyar III, on seeing a painting of Devi. Looking at the colour of the saree of the Devi he asked the artist as to the basis on which he had used that particular red colour when according to the sloka the colour should have been of yellow shade. Wadiyar also suggested a minor change required in the crown of the Devi as per the tradition.

Raghupathi Bhat, who used to be called to the Palace by Wadiyar to discuss about matters relating to paintings and even about book-bindings to restore old books, was proud to disclose that he had made a portrait in water colour of Wadiyar which was published in The Times of India on the occasion of his 55th birthday.

Raghupathi remembers with nostalgia the suggestion made by Wadiyar that he (Bhat) should shift to Mysore as there was greater opportunity for developing the museum and also scope for his creative works. Bhat says that he took Wadiyar’s suggestion seriously and that was how he moved to Mysore for good. And Wadiyar was one of the first persons to congratulate Bhat when he got the President’s National Award as an artist.

According to Raghupathi Bhat, the Wadiyar dynasty was a blessing to the world of art and also artists whose number increased in old Mysore under their patronage. Expressing deep sorrow at the untimely passing away of Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, Bhat mentioned about Wadiyar’s appreciation of the gold-leaf restoration work he had executed in the Palace Durbar Hall and part of Kalyana Mantap this year.

“I feel, I have lost a father figure in Wadiyar’s death,” said Bhat his eyes going wet.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / December 11th, 2013