Rajasthan is a state in northwestern India known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant art forms. From intricate miniature paintings to colourful textiles, Rajasthan has a long and varied artistic tradition that has captivated people around the world. Among the many forms of Rajasthani art, one of the most unique and fascinating is Kavad art. Kavad art is a form of storytelling that has been passed down through generations of artists and storytellers.
Kavad Art History
Kavad art is a traditional form of storytelling that originated in Rajasthan. It dates back to the sixteenth century, Kavads are portable shrines made of wood that contain several panels or doors that can be opened and closed. The Kavad tradition is a complex one with carpentry, artistry and storytelling rolled into one art.
It finds indirect mentions in religious texts like Tarikh-i-Firoz-Shahi of Afif, where it is referred to as a ‘Muhrik’ – a wooden table covered with paintings inside and out.
Etymology
The word ‘Kavad’ is derived from the Hindi word ‘kavach’, which means ‘armour’ or ‘protection’. Kavads were originally used as portable shrines by itinerant bards who would travel from village to village to tell stories and sing songs, and for people. Over time, the Kavads evolved into complex works of art that were highly valued by the people of Rajasthan.
Kavad Art CommunityÂ
The community doing the woodwork are called Suthars, and the artists- chitrakars. Usually, the artist and the carpenter are the same person. The Suthars who make the Kavads are believed to be the descendants of Vishwakarma himself, the celestial architect. However, the narration of the stories is done by a different community, known as the Kavadiya Bhats. The Suthars work closely with the bards to create Kavads that are tailored to their specific needs. The bards would provide the Suthars with a list of stories that they wanted to tell, and the Suthars would paint the appropriate scenes on the Kavad.
Cultural significance of Kavad Art
The Kavad is an important part of Rajasthan’s cultural heritage and is used for a variety of purposes. It is often used in religious ceremonies and festivals. The Kavad is carried in processions and is used as a focal point for prayers and offerings. It is also used in puppet shows and other forms of folk theatre. The Kavad is an important source of livelihood for the Suthars, who sell their creations to collectors and tourists.
The Kavad is not just a work of art, but also a repository of knowledge. The paintings on the Kavad are used to tell stories and convey important messages. The bards who use the Kavad to tell stories, the Bhats, are highly respected members of their communities. They are often called upon to resolve disputes and provide guidance in matters of faith and morality.
Kavad Art Process
The Kavad is usually made of mango or semla wood and consists of several panels that are hinged together. The panels can be opened and closed like the doors of a cupboard, unravelling new facets of the story as the cupboard itself unravels. The number of panels usually ranges from ten to sixteen- based on the complexity of the story being told. The Kavad is painted with scenes from Hindu mythology, local folklore, and historical events. The paintings are usually done in bright colours using natural dyes and pigments, but today, acrylic is the popular medium for its vibrancy. The Kavad is often embellished with mirrors, beads, and other decorative elements.
The first step to making the Kavads is fashioning the basic structure and the multiple panels out of wood, which is done with basic tools by the Suthars. The panels are later attached with hinges. The wood is thoroughly smoothened by sanding. Then, the artist begins painting, traditionally using natural colours. Today, mineral colours mixed with tree resin are the most common, and even acrylic paints are used. Traditionally, Kavads were always made on a red background, but today, they are made to cater to a variety of tastes.
The most impressive component of Kavad making is painting the main theme. The outlines of the people, Gods and objects are all made free hand, with great precision. This requires years of training and skill.
Prominent Artists in Kavad Art
One of the most famous Suthars today is Dwaraka Prasad Jangid, who is based in the Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan. Dwaraka Prasad Jangid learned the craft and carried it forward from his father and grandfather. He includes a wide range of themes in his work, from Hindu mythological scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and also includes social themes and scenes from everyday life. One of his Kavads included the millennium development goals of the United Nations. Another one of his works, a twenty five feet Kavad, was featured in the 2014 Republic Day Parade tableau of Rajasthan.
Another famous Kavad artist is Sathyanarayana Suthar, who has won a national award for his works to preserve the craft. A Kavad made by him, depicting the life of an artist’s journey from the village to the city, has been exhibited in many locations across the world, including Paris, Delhi and Cairo. His Kavads have also been exhibited in Singapore.
Challenges
The Kavad tradition has faced several challenges in recent times. The rise of modern forms of entertainment such as television and the internet has led to a decline in the popularity of Kavads. The younger generation is often not interested in traditional forms of art and storytelling. The Suthars and bhats themselves are facing economic pressures, as the demand for Kavads has declined. Many of them have had to switch to other forms of work to make a living, and most practise farming and similar occupations alongside the art.
