Karnataka, with its incredible architecture in ancient cities like Mysore and Hampi, its regal silk draperies, delectable Kannadiga thalis, coastal cuisines, and bustling energy of the Silicon Valley of India, is a treasure trove for both urbanites and connoisseurs. Let’s explore what this culturally rich state has to offer in terms of arts and crafts:
Mysore Painting
Lord Shiva Mysore by Raghavendra B B
Mysore paintings trace their origin to the Vijayanagara Empire, whose kings were the great patrons of art. Following the empire’s fall, these paintings experienced a revival under the patronage of Wodeyar dynasty. As is observable, the colour palette of Mysore paintings traditionally featured hues of red, green, and yellow sourced from plants and minerals, which blended beautifully with the intricate real gold work. The most striking aspect of these paintings is that they are crafted with thoroughness and durability. Previously, the base would be wood, paper cloth, or even solid walls or pillars, while the sketches were made using tamarind twigs. Nowadays, the artists use layers of newspaper, over which they place a sheet and cover it with refined flour to make the perfect base. Mysore paintings portray a rich tapestry of gods, goddesses and other legendary figures. Gentle eyes, round chins, and embellished garments are some of the characteristic features of these paintings. Many elaborate details are scrupulously added to the canvas to endow the deities and characters with an authentic touch. Some of the Gods that are masterfully showcased here are Dashavathara, Chamundeshwari, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Shiv-Paravati, etc.
Sandalwood Carving
Karnataka, with its ample forest reserve, serves as a thriving hub for the wood carving tradition found in the various regions of the state. Wood carving is one of the oldest crafts of Karnataka. The forests of Mysore are famed for their sandalwood, and the artisans ensure that the designs are intricate and subtle.
The artists demonstrate outstanding skill while imparting realism to their art. From carving and engraving creepers and flowers to making sculptures, woodwork in Karnataka is a demonstration of dexterity and skill. Sandalwood is valued for its scent and sacredness in religious ceremonies, but beyond that, it is also well suited for wood carving due to its smooth texture and fine grains.
Channapatna Toys
Channapatna Toys
Local toy shops in Channapatna town are full of wooden trinkets and figurines, reflecting a 300-year-old toy-making tradition. In contrast to the randomly piled shops, Bangalore offers sophisticated as well as cart displays, designed to attract visitors. These non-toxic toys are crafted from ivory wood, painted with vegetable dyes and finished with a protective lacquer coating. The woodcutters first cut blocks from wooden logs, which are further shaped and shaved. Chips of lac are melted and combined with colours to create natural dyes. This extensive process is not only employed to make wooden toys but also earrings, necklaces, and decorative items furnished by the artisan community of Channapatna.
Chitrakathi Scroll Painting
Rama and his brothers in Chitrakathi
The ancient Chitrakathi storytelling traditions of Maharashtra and Karnataka combine oral narration with intricate hand-painted art. The word Chitrakatha is the combination of two terms: “Chitra” meaning painting and “Katha” meaning classic storytelling in any form. Dramatic colours, expressive figures and repetitive patterns come together to animate the art. The narratives depicted are borrowed from episodes of the Indian epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Traditionally, natural colours were used to paint on handmade papers, making the practice truly sustainable. A bundle, or a pothi, consisting of over 50 paintings is used by artists to tell stories. The paintings are designed to support the stories of the performance, with the Sutradhar acting as the narrator who uses the pictures. Chitrakathi performances are accompanied by an orchestra that includes Tuntuna, Vina, and Huduk. Gawdewada, located in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, is the oldest site featuring a Chitrakathi painting six feet above the ground.
Kasuti Embroidery
Kasuti Embroidery
Belonging to the 7th century CE, Kasuti embroidery has historical ties to the Chalukyan dynasty of India. The word ‘Kasuti’ is made of Kai, meaning ‘hand' and suti meaning 'cotton' in Kannada. Kasuti embroidery is done on a fabric that has significantly large holes, these holes are counted before the thread is passed through them. The districts of Bijapur, Dharwar, Belgaum, Miraj, Sangli, and Jamkhandi are renowned for their kasuti embroidery. Some of the commonly seen colours are orange, green, purple, and red. There are mainly four main types of stitch patterns that are followed in Kasuti embroidery:
a.) Gavanthi - double-running stitch
b.) Muragi - zig-zag running stitch
c.) Negi-darning stitch - uses a series of long and short lines
d.) Menthe - cross-stitch.
Chittara Folk Art
Tirigemane in Chittara
It is impossible to discuss the craft tradition of Karnataka without mentioning Chittara, a form of tribal folk art. The tribal women who practice the art that is replete with myriad signs and segments are the Deewaru community. While there are no exact records of this art’s origin, its roots are believed to be traced back as early as the 10th century CE. Bearing a close resemblance to Warli paintings, Chittara paintings represent the rustic liveliness of village life, local birds and animals, flowers used in their ceremonies, and more. Some of the auspicious geometric patterns and designs include:
- Yaileyh- vertical or horizontal lines, stands for subtle attraction between two individuals.
- Nilee Kochu- shelters made from diagonally arranged bamboo, representing strength in unity.
- Bhasinga- this is tied around the bridegroom’s pehta during the wedding.
- Kholhee- rooster/hen, symbolizes time and economic strength
- Array Poopalee- intersecting layers to aid the construction of a house symbolize hospitality.
Silk Weaving
Mysore Silk Saree with Gold Inlay
Mysore silk sarees are a speciality of Karnataka. This luxuriant fabric holds a place of pride for the women and men of Karnataka and other Indian states. Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV imported 32 power looms from Switzerland to India causing the earliest known production of silk sarees in India. Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore imported silk cocoons from China in 1785 CE, marking the beginning of sericulture in Karnataka. The sleek yet refined sarees feature a plain-coloured base fabric, with 100 % pure silk blended with gold zari borders on both ends. In addition to sarees, pieces like lungi and panche are made from this fabric for men. Today, Mysore silk sarees are manufactured exclusively in one of India’s oldest manufacturing industries, Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC). KSIC also holds a registration certificate awarded in 2005. Some of the other varieties of silk sarees include Cora silks, Crepe silks, and Arani silks among others.
Bidriware
Bidri work
Some historians believe that Bidri originated in the 16th century as a byproduct of Indo-Islamic culture. These Persian-style infused Bidri artefacts are crafted by artisans from North Karnataka. What is most striking about this metalwork is the unique combination of zinc and copper which gives a blackened finish after oxidation. Artisans dedicate an extensive amount of time and effort to engrave silver wires and strips onto the metal. Some of the frequently featured designs include peacocks, peacocks, creepers, pomegranates, geometrical shapes, and so on.
Guthu Houses
Guthu House. Source: thekeybunch.com
Whether it’s the temples of Hampi, Gol Gombaz, or iconic Mysore Palace, architecture has been an integral part of Karnataka’s heritage. Apart from these, there are gorgeous and well-crafted houses and sites that are reminiscent of the bygone era. One such fascinating structure is Guthu Mane. A typical Gutthu house features a lot of woodwork carved out of teak or rosewood, such as wooden swings, wooden doors, chests and cabinet shells to name a few with a spacious veranda at the centre. Solid wooden pillars called jantis uphold the wooden ceiling in a regal fashion. There is more to these houses that highlights a balance between functionality and elegance.
Stone Carving
Stone Carving. Source: Photographed by Smriti Sahu
The Hoysala School (10th- 14th century CE) in the Karnataka region is noted for its ornately designed temples. In many villages across Karnataka, stone sculptures are still crafted according to the guidelines outlined in the Dhyana Shlokas. Shivarapatna’s Shilpis (sculptors) are the masters of making stone idols and sculptures based on Hindu Gods.
References:
- Staff, Cscope. “Mysore Painting – a Shining Distinctive Art Form of Karnataka.” Caleidoscope | Indian Culture, Heritage, 3 Oct. 2022, www.caleidoscope.in/art-culture/mysore-painting. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
- Asija, Prarthana. “Karnataka Culture - a Directory of Rich Tradition, Art, Music, Food and Festivals.” Caleidoscope | Indian Culture, Heritage, 31 Oct. 2022, www.caleidoscope.in/art-culture/karnataka-culture-a-directory-of-rich-tradition-art-music-food-and-festivals.
- Admin. “Mysore Paintings: Notes for UPSC Art and Culture.” BYJUS, BYJU’S, 24 Apr. 2017, byjus.com/free-ias-prep/mysore-paintings-for-upsc-exam/.
- “Mysore Painting.” MAP ACADEMY, 27 Aug. 2024, “Mysore Painting - MAP Academy.” MAP Academy, 3 Oct. 2024, mapacademy.io/article/mysore-painting/. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024. . Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
- Sen, Rupsha. “The Illustrious Handicrafts of Karnataka, Ideal Souvenir for Everyone.” Caleidoscope | Indian Culture, Heritage, 20 June 2022, www.caleidoscope.in/art-culture/handicrafts-of-karnataka-1. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
- Baral, Prof. Bibhudutta, et al. “Wood Carving - Udupi.” D’ source, dsource. in/resource/wood-carving-Udupi/introduction. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
- “How to Make a Channapatna Toy.” Google Arts & Culture, artsandculture.google.com/story/dgWhsovsWjHlLQ?hl=en.
- “Old Chitrakathi Art.” Google Arts & Culture, artsandculture.google.com/story/old-chitrakathi-art-dastkari-haat-samiti/kwXhwLREm72yKQ?hl=en.
- Modak, Sherline. “Chitrakathi Painting of Karnataka: The Hidden Treasure.” Caleidoscope | Indian Culture, Heritage, 29 Nov. 2022, www.caleidoscope.in/art-culture/chitrakathi-painting-of-karnataka. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
- CHHABRA, NISHTHA. “Kasuti: The Mathematics of Embroidery.” Academia.edu, Azim Premji University, Nov. 2021, www.academia.edu/85276479/Kasuti_the_mathematics_of_embroidery. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
- Sen, Rupsha. “Kasuti Embroidery - a Traditional Fabric Art of Karnataka.” Caleidoscope | Indian Culture, Heritage, 17 Aug. 2021, www.caleidoscope.in/art-culture/kasuti-embroidery-01.
- Kunnumpurath, Biju. “Symbols of Chittara and Its Contextual Relevance in the Society.” Www.academia.edu, www.academia.edu/11718119/Symbols_of_Chittara_and_its_Contextual_Relevance_in_the_Society.
- “Fable of a Fabulous Fabric: Mysore Silk.” Caleidoscope | Indian Culture, Heritage, 29 Oct. 2012, www.caleidoscope.in/art-culture/fable-of-a-fabulous-fabric-mysore-silk.
- “Bidri: A Piece of Heritage Craftsmanship in Karnataka.” The Indian Express, 16 Aug. 2023, indianexpress.com/article/et-al-express-insight/bidri-a-piece-of-heritage-craftsmanship-in-karnataka-8895484/.
- RoofandFloor. “Guthu Mane: A Historical Treasure.” The Hindu, 5 July 2017, www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/homes-and-gardens/guthu-mane-a-historical-treasure/article19203377.ece. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
- “Indian Stone Sculpture - Google Arts & Culture.” Google Arts & Culture, Google Arts & Culture, 2020, artsandculture.google.com/story/indian-stone-sculpture-salar-jung-museum/6QWBmHwZqZNTHA?hl=en. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
- https://www.academia.edu/11718119/Symbols_of_Chittara_and_its_Contextual_Relevance_in_the_Society
