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The Celtic Art Coracle
Volume 1 Issue 4
Rangavalli, P.B. Bairi (continued) |
| This is also our cultural wealth. Pleasing, symbolic,
fantastic and interesting names are given to various patterns of Rangavalli such as
Gandabherundo, Keverikunda, Garuda, Parrot-Beak, Tender Mango Fruit, Sita's Hair Braid,
Bilwa-patre, Kalimandu, Firegod's Tongue, Rama's Throne Tortoise, Parijata, Vrindavana,
Chariot of Lotus, Lion's Eye, Swastik, etc. Sri
Jagannathadas by his skill in rangavalli was famous as Rangvallidass. His followers Sri
Pranesha Vittal and other leaders of the "Dasakoota" were said to have expressed
their sublime feelings through Rangavalli thus giving visual forms to their lofty
thoughts.
Interest in such an art of universal appeal is dwindling.
It is in a decadent and moribund condition in these days of modern civilization which
looks down upon it as the work of some household women only. There may be some people who
value the spiritual value or beauty in these folk arts. A revival of interest in this
indigenous art is necessary. It has qualities which are well worth preserving. There is
every possibility that if the interest is not revived, gradually this art may be lost or
will linger in decadent form. Being interested in this branch of art I had collected
Rangavalli designs and developed new types based on those traditional principles. It was a
desire that this art must be published just as the folk songs.
The execution of these designs is done with simple
materials which are found in local areas and cost next to nothing. The ingredients are
rice powder mixed with water or powdered quartz - a kind of white stone. It is therefore
generally white in colour. On special occasions different colours and materials are used.
They are dry powders produced from soils of different colours, leaves, plant roots, bark
of trees, coloured stones, corns, etc., available locally and easily. It is an interesting
feature of some festivals. |
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copyright © B.P. Bairi, 1976 Udipi, Chitra Kutira |
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