Meeting "Kaavad" artist, a unique story teller

Art of storytelling in India is very rich heritage that defines our culture and identity. Sadly, we have lost touch with this art form in today's fast age of internet, animation, cinema and mass media that are predominant part of our life. Recently, at a handicraft exhibition, I discovered an ancient, mesmerizing form of audio-visual storytelling using "Kaavad" as the medium.    

Artist Satya Narayan, demonstrating the design of Kaavad 

Kaavad is a compact wooden box/shrine, with multiple folding doors with vibrant illustrations portraying mythological stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and folk tales. It is a medium for beautiful rendition that combines tradition, art, culture and identity of Rajasthan, passed on through generations.  

Kaavad in different sizes on display at the stall

At the exhibition, I met an artist, Satya Narayan Suthar, from Bassi and what followed was completely enthralling! Satya Narayan ebulliently explained how Kaavad is integral part of tradition of storytelling. While showing painted surfaces opening outwards into multiple panels with hinged doors and flaps, he deciphered significance of each scene depicted on Kaavad and explained how the performance of Kavadiya Bhats (men who travel like bards from one place to another with Kaavads, reciting stories through their songs and dance that unfold with every opened door on the Kaavad) reaches end with opening of innermost chamber, that has picture of a deity. 

 Satya Narayan, narrating story depicted in Kaavad

Satya Narayan proudly told me about how he learnt this craft from his father. The practice of combining painted visuals to a narrative and linking it with performance was a popular tradition in many interior parts of Rajasthan and he narrated interesting experiences of how such traditions created interesting bonds between the story teller and his listeners through fascinating world of mythical heroes and Gods. 

Brightly coloured  Kaavad , with  stories from Indian mythology

Apart from his art what I liked about Satya Narayan was the openness with which he answered every single curious question I asked. There was innocence and rawness that one finds in people from smaller towns and villages. He told me how each exhibition opened up new prospects for his art and helped him receive patronage from many people from India and abroad. 

Kaavad,  in unconventional colour, white

One of the most interesting Kaavads was designed as learning device for very young children. Colourful boxes of fun designs with pictures and alphabets brought back memories of innocent days of early childhood.   

Kaavad,, designed as learning device

After having seen different kaavads in detail I was spellbound by the collage of vibrant images that were individualistic yet versatile and had so much relevance even in today's times. There was evident proof of this craft having evolved over years. Traditionally known for being painted with bright coloured images of Gods and heroes, Kaavads were seen in white colour and some were designed as interesting device for learning. 

Kaavad, with interesting illustrations used for learning

My rendezvous with the artist Satya Narayan Suthar took me to completely different world where against the backdrop of story telling a sacred space of belonging between the people was evoked. A world where there was a beautiful synergy between the artist, his art form and the audience all intertwined creating one whole. 

Do you remember eons ago when there used to exist a colourful device called, bioscope that looked so intriguing that one could not resist being lost in its fascinating world? Meeting Kaavad artist Satya Narayan Suthar transported me to that magical world instantly and I could not be blamed for not wanting to come back to reality!