"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#Paintings

Good News

Phad Paintings: Preserving Cultural Heritage in India's New Parliament Building

The anticipation builds as the grand inauguration of the new Parliament building in New Delhi draws near. Among its remarkable features, the structure will showcase an array of centuries-old Phad paintings, originating from the vibrant state of Rajasthan. These intricate artworks, depicting the folk deities and historical figures of the region, hold immense cultural significance. Phad paintings, named after the local word for "fold" due to their roll-like structure, are meticulously crafted using natural pigment dyes such as indigo blue, hartal (yellow), and kajal black. The scroll painting commissioned for the Parliament measures an impressive 75 x 9 feet, and serves as a visual ode to the theme of democracy. Led by artist Kalyan Joshi, a team of 15 talented artists from Bhilwara dedicated three-and-a-half months to complete this magnificent creation. Traditionally, Phad paintings featured the folk deities Pabuji and Devnarayan. However, Kalyan and his team expanded their repertoire, now including historical figures like Maharana Pratap, Queen Padmini, and the warrior Gora Badal. The process of creating Phad paintings is steeped in tradition. These artworks are meticulously hand-painted on coarse cotton cloth, which is soaked overnight to thicken the threads. Rice or wheat flour starch is applied to stiffen the fabric, and it is then stretched, dried under the sun, and smoothed with a moonstone to achieve a brilliant sheen. The natural paints used in Phad paintings are sourced from stones, flowers, plants, and herbs, meticulously prepared by the artists themselves. For over two centuries, the Joshi families of Bhilwara and Shahpura have been revered as the custodians of the Phad painting tradition.  Kalyan, a distinguished artist who previously collaborated with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, expressed his pride in being commissioned to create the Phad painting for the new Parliament building. As he envisions his next project, Kalyan harbors a deep desire to create a Phad painting based on the epic Ramayana for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The inclusion of Phad paintings in the new Parliament building not only highlights their artistic splendor but also raises awareness about indigenous gods and the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. As the curtains rise on this prestigious moment, the entire community basks in the joy and recognition brought forth by this remarkable endeavor.

17 May 2023
Good News

Positive Reads

Why This Sleepy Village in Rajasthan Is Attracting Tourists From All Over the World

Hajipur Dadikar, a previously tranquil town in Rajasthan's Alwar region, is currently bursting with activity as tourists and historians swarm to see the ancient rock paintings on its hills. The peaceful Hajipur Dadikar village in Rajasthan's Alwar district is nestled in the Aravali Ranges. The hills are covered with ancient rock paintings that date back to prehistoric times. The unique paintings include dance, hunting, and animal characters. The paintings were first discovered in 2001.  According to Tina Yadav, the district's tourism officer, rock art in the hills of Hajipur Dadikar has been added to the district's list of tourist destinations. In recent years, Dadikar has become attracting tourists from all over the world.  According to local tour guide Tejpal Gurjar, visitors to this location have come from more than 50 different countries. He states that the rock paintings show the Swastika, a lion, an elephant, a sword, a peacock, fish, the sun, a shepherd tending goats, animals engaged in combat, animal hides, and other wild animals. Alwar is famous for Sariska Tiger Reserve and the beautiful Siliserh lake among many others. People are now aware of these rare ancient paintings and include a visit to this place in the list of things to do in Alwar. The trek to these hills is also a wonderful experience with breathtaking sights.  Nirvana Bodhisattva, the founder of the Nirvanavan Foundation states that as people from all over the world are visiting Dadikar, and it is a historic site, the government should take every possible measure to preserve the site. Extensive research was conducted at the site of the rock paintings after a few shepherds spotted it and were brought to the notice of archaeologist Premlata Pokrana.  

30 Nov 2022
Positive Reads

Unresolved mysteries of India: Enigma that has prevailed for ages

India, land of many rich ancient civilizations, cultures, traditions, knowledge and prosperity sis ahead when comes to a flourished past. The well planned and administered kingdoms and their strategic mansions have not only attracted tourist attention but have been a subject of research for historians. Though many facts are now known and documented, some still are undiscovered while some stay a mystery. Let’s get acquainted with some of such mysteries. Cave paintings of aliens Archaeologists have found these creepy rock paintings on walls of caves near the town of Charama of Chhattisgarh. They claim the paintings to be of some alien structured humanoids with no facial features and also have found paintings of flying discs. Surprisingly, the tribal villages nearby have legends of small ‘Rohela’ people who used to land in flying discs and abduct people from the villages. Historians along with Indian Space Research Organisation are carrying out detailed study and research on this topic. Till date no conclusions are drawn. Son Bhandar caves These caves of Bihar are a complete mystery. The story is dated back to the times of the rule of Magadhan king Bimbisara. The king was imprisoned by his son, when he ordered his wife to hide his treasury in these caves. The doorway of this cave has clues to open this in Sankhlipi script but the script couldn’t be deciphered till date. Also British, during their rule tried to explode the doorway with a cannon ball but the rock doorway remained intact with only some black marks on the wall. Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? The Haunted Village A village of Kuldhara, which lies to the west of Jaisalmer was once upon a time a very rich place where Paliwal Brahmins hailed for centuries until one night, for some unknown reason, the entire village was evacuated. It is said that villagers there decided to leave to escape from the evil ruler named Salim Singh and cursed the entire village. The village now remains completely barren with no people staying there till date. Disappearance of Nana Saheb Peshwa After continuous defeats from the British, Nana Saheb Peshwa got mysteriously disappeared. There is neither a concrete information about how and where he left nor do historians know where he had hid his valued assets which would be of a billion dollar worth today. Some say that he fled to Nepal with most of his valued possessions but the Peshwa and his enduring wealth is still a topic of research for historians. Man who has survived 77 years without food and water Prahlad Jani, a yogi is alive even today without eating and drinking for almost 77 years. He became an ascetic when he was eleven years old. Since then he has stayed without food and water. In 2003 and 2010, twice Jani has been subjected to many tests to analyse what exactly helps him sustain, but all tests went futile. Scientists still are not able to claim the actual reason and say this is scientifically impossible as a person can stay without food and water for days, but for years is really a mystery.

17 Mar 2017
Positive Reads

Global Inspirations

Ancient Cave Paintings Discovered In Unexplored Indonesian Islands

A team of scientists has uncovered 2,500 years old cave paintings in the unexplored, tiny Indonesian island of Kisar. The team was able to uncover a total of 28 rock art sites on Kisar which measures just 81 square kilometres and lies north of Timor-Leste. According to researchers, the paintings help tell the story of the region’s history of trade and culture. Sue O’Connor, from the Australian National University (ANU) said that archaeologically, no one has ever explored Kisar before. She added, “These Indonesian islands were the heart of the spice trade going back for thousands of years. The paintings we found depict boats, dogs, horses and people often holding what look like shields.” Researchers found that the Kisar paintings very much resembled those in the east end of Timor-Leste. O  ’Connor said that the art of both the islands have a distinctive feature – the size of the human and animal figures are exceptionally small, most being less than 10 centimetres. Despite their size, however, they are remarkably dynamic. O’Connor said the relationship between the two islands likely extends back to the Neolithic period 3,500 years ago when Austronesian settlers introduced domestic animals, such as the dog, and perhaps cereal crops.

19 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

Archives