07/27/2022
Nakashi saw dust wall Masks
( Cheriyal artists from Telangana):
Mask making process:
A fine powder of tamarind seeds, river shells, or coconut shells is boiled in hot water. After an hour, the mixture is collected in a dish, mixed with sawdust, and neatly kneaded into dough.
This dough is then spread evenly onto the desired mold before other facial features are added to the light brown base structure. Sculpting the nose, eyes, and lips requires close attention.
The structure is dried until it becomes rock hard. Upon drying the base structure is smoothened using sandpaper and a thin cotton fabric is spread out on the entire surface of the mask. A fine paste of rice starch, white clay, and tree lack is evenly applied over the cotton fabric. The paste leaves the surface bright white on drying thereby readying it for color application. Bright colors like red, yellow, green, blue, white, are used for the base coat. Further detailing of eyes, lips, and ornaments are done using a brush made from squirrel hair. Lastly, varnish is applied to enhance durability
History of Cheriyal scroll paintings:
The earliest known painted scroll can be dated back to 1625 in the Telangana region which was then ruled by the Qutub Shahis of Golconda. The art form involved paintings that depicted scenes from the Hindu mythology and also stories that were meant to educate the village folks. The length of the Scroll painting can range anything between 10 meters to 25 meters depending on the length of the story. One Scroll painting can take as long as 3 to 6 months of time to complete.
The Scroll Paintings have an unmatched historical significance. Every caste has a unique background derived from a segment of Epic Mahabharata, Ramayana and various Puranas from the Hindu Mythology. Totally, the castes can be classified as NINE. Each caste has a unique story to share and there are differentiated story tellers who have been carrying forward this art of storytelling from generations. They are:
1. The ‘Kaki Padagalus’ narrate the ‘Mahabharata’ to the Mudiraj Caste people.
2. The ‘Kunapulis’ narrate ‘Markandeya Puranam’ to the Padmashali Caste people.
3. The ‘Chaakali Pattam vaallu’ narrate the ‘Madel puranam’ to the Chaakali or the Dhobi Caste people.
4. The ‘Enutis or the Gouda Jettis’ narrate ‘Gouda Puranam or Kanthama Maheshwara Puranam’ to the Goud or the Toddy collectors’ Caste people.
5. The ‘Addapu vaallu’ narrate ‘Naadukaa Puranam’ to the Mangali or the Barber Caste people.
6. The ‘Dakkalis’ narrate ‘Jaambavanthuni Puranam’ to the Maadiga Caste people.
7. The ‘Gurrapu vaallu’ narrate ‘Gurrapu Puranam’ to the Mala Caste people.
8. The ‘Korrajulu’ narrate ‘Lakshmi Devara and Padma Nayak Puranam from Mahabharat’ to the Nayak or the Tribal Caste people.
9. The ‘Mandahecchus’ narrate ‘Katam Raju Kathalu or Stories’ to the Golla Caste people.
These paintings were done only by members of one community in Telangana – Nakashi community. “They actually belonged to the Chitragara community. Ancestors of this community were patronized by the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire,” .
After the decline of the Vijayanagar Empire following defeat at the hands of the Deccan Sultans in 1565, these painters moved to Telangana, which was at that time ruled by the Nizams. “Forefathers of current Nakashi community made floral engravings in royal buildings, including the Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad’.
Due to their fine floral engraving work, the Nizams began calling these artisans Nakash and the community is now known as the Nakashi community. Nakashi in Urdu means engraving.
Interesting fact:
When Vijayanagar empire was taken by Deccan sultans some artists migrated to current Telangana ‘ they are called Nakashi community and continued to do colorful masks and magnificent cheriyal scroll paintings’. The other part of community ‘ Chitragara’ settled in Kinhala village of North Karnataka’, they are practicing gorgeous Kinnal art ( including idols and other stuff).
Patronage and support:
Both the Cheriyal and Kinnal art communities needs encouragement and support from public to revive these dying art forms, only few families who practice and know the techniques of this art. Support hand made and ancient crafts of India ( which has so much history and legacy). Each one of us has different opinions on decorating our home, but add a piece of history to your home, these are not expensive. This small gesture goes a long way 🙏🏻.
