Karnataka’s rich legacy of handicrafts was on show at the Republic Day celebration in New Delhi’s Rajpath on Jan. 26. It included everything from expertly crafted pots to carefully carved sandalwood miniatures to hand-woven sarees. In fact, with an eye-catching portrayal of the state’s cultural symbols, the Karnataka tableau stole the show. The centerpiece of the tableau, which was based on the topic ‘Karnataka: The Cradle of Traditional Handicrafts,’ was a huge Asiatic elephant sculpted out of Mysuru rosewood with ivory inlay carvings, stunning Bidriware, bronze sculptures, and lacquerware toys from Channapatna.
This year’s Karnataka State Tableau will be designed and sculpted by Akmal Pasha, a retired employee of BEML, Mysuru. The scene also includes Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, the renowned Karnataka independence warrior who is known as India’s “mother of traditional handicrafts.” She may be seen selling ‘bagina,’ which includes a sandal box, peacock-shaped light pot, banana fiber bags, and other items.
The 45-feet long, 16-feet high and 14-feet wide tableau showcased 16 traditional handicraft products that have received the Geographical Indication tag. A mammoth Mysuru elephant with rosewood inlay carvings led the tableau, which also featured Ganjifa cards, bronzeware, Kinhal toys, Kolhapuri slippers, and Mysore traditional paintings. Various weaves were a part of this artistic presentation, including Navalgund Jamkhana, Gulledgud Khana, the Ilkal, Molakalmuru, Udupi sarees, Mysorean Silk, along with traditional Kasuti and Sandur Lambani embroidery. The central portion had a huge vase depicting Bidri carving, and two large peacocks were placed behind.
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