The origin of this art can be traced back to Vijayanagar Empire, which
had given royal patronage………
In the previous
centuries, art and artists flourished only when the benevolent kings gave them
enough encouragement, support and patronage. No doubt, only with the royal
support art flourished and survived in India, in the early times. A deep look
into the history of art unveils the facts that the rulers of
India were so cultured and well versed in art, literature,
music, architecture, religion and philosophies that they initiated artists into
building up marvelous architectural monuments like Ajanta, Ellora, Sanchi Stupa,
Taj Mahal and GolGumbaz, and creating long lasting literature and creating schools of paintings. Different dynasties
came up with different styles of architecture and paintings, which were the
outcome of the visions of the rulers as
well as regional influence. To name a few, the confluence of Persian Art, Greek
Art with Indian Art has led to a rich, vibrant art development and
legacy in India . The magnificent ruins of Hampi
stand as testimony to the patronage of Vijayanagar rulers. The Vijayanagar
rulers ruled from 1336 to 1565 AD. During
the Vijaynagar empire, art, literature, music, architecture culminated to its
zenith.
Throughout art history, be it eastern or western art history,
one learns that it was mainly either empires or religious institutions which patronaged artists and made great efforts to the promotion of art. Only
at the end of the 19th century, we come to know of artists
practicing independently and making artworks for their satisfaction.
History of KinnalArt
It is a branch of Vijayanagar Art, which
flourished in 14thto 16th CE in Karnatak. VijayaNagar was
a very famous and rich empire, which it had a glorious flourishing time during
the reign of ruler Krishnadevraya. During his period, art, literature, music
and architecture developed like anything. Hampi – the vast area stretching for
kilometers requires at least a couple months to cover monuments and appreciate
the art works, which have spread across. Hampi has
beenas recognized UNESCO World Heritage
Site.
The VijayaNagar Empire[ 1336 – 1565 CE] was attacked by Deccan
Sultanates, resulting in defeat and looting all the treasure the empire had. The battle of Talikota was a battle between the Deccan Sultanates and Vijaynagar ruler in a place called Tallikote ,on 23 Jan, 1565.
In this battle, Vijaynagar ruler was beheaded and the Vijaynagar empire was
taken over by the Sultanate. After the
fall of the empire, the artists lost the royal patronage. The disruption led
the artists to migrate to different towns and cities which had favorable
conditions to survive. Some artists moved to Kinnal, some to Mysore, some to
Surpur, and some to Tanjaore. Wherever the artist went and settled, they developed
a unique style imbibing the traditional local customs and religious aspects.
This combining of the local elements with the previous streaks of Vijaynagar
art led to a different unique style that has evolved over the years and
survived till today. In the present scenario, it is really difficult to nurse
these traditional art forms until and unless they are revived on new lines keeping
in mind the present day demands of the market.
The procedure and artefacts
 |
| An art student learning the traditional art form |
Kinnal is situated near Koppal, on the way
to Hospet. It is a small town where many families in town are engaged in Kinnal art practicing. Kinnal art form
is very attractive to look at, but is a very laborious process. Light and delicately
painted wooden artifacts are handmade. Neem
or drumstick tree wood is used for preparing the works. Usually, the works are
done with light wood. The color preparation process is very lengthy and
rigorous. Earlier, the artisans were using organic colors, but since the process
is very laborious, the present day artists are using chemical colors that are
easily available in the market. With tamarind seed paste mixed with liquid gum,
the ground is prepared for the painting. The pebble powder mixed with glue is
used for embossing. First and foremost, the works gets started with yellow primary
color. Red, dark brown, green and blue colors are used subsequently. For the embossed
part, the foil paper is stuck with glue, which gives a unique beauty and splendor
to the art work. The artisans make chairs, tables, cradles, plaques, god –
stands and so on. The tables and plaques usually have six or eight corners. Kinnal
dolls, fruits and vegetables are also equally famous. Kinnal “Gouri” , a
figurine of goddess, is very famous.
Since it is detachable, it is easy for decoration and preservation, after
the ritual
.
 |
| Sri. Narayanappa Chitragar demonstrating |
Now in Kinnal town , only a few families are practicing this
art form for their lively hood since it does not fetch a handsome income to
survive on, as these artisans do not know how to market these art works. The
families who are engaged in this art practice are called as Chitragar.
Religious themes like Puranas and Dashavatara adore the body
of the artifacts along with creepers, fruits, flowers, birds and animals. A
close observation reflects the influence of Deccani Miniatures, which has been absorbed in the subsequent years. After
the Vijaynagar Empire’s royal patronage was lost, it was Nawabs and Desais of
Koppal who extended patronage to this art form to survive. But , at present,
these artists do not have any kind of support like the yester years.
In the present situation, these art forms need revival and
proper marketing strategies to survive and flourish. By contemporizing the forms and changing the
materials to the requirement of the market, the art form can survive and the
depending families too can flourish economically.
By Gayatri Desai
By Gayatri Desai
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