Kaavad

A year ago i got a call from an acquaintance saying they are looking for artists who can assist them with some colouring (yes, just colouring; he remembers seeing me colouring handmade volunteer badges for a crowdfunded event, for which we both were volunteers). 

The proposed project "Kaavad Katha - Maya" had already taken off with a key visual artist,  a production team and the performer. I joined the team along with one established artist. I was glad that eventually it turned out to be more than just colouring.

Before going about the making of this new venture, here's a brief introduction to Kaavad:

Kaavad art is a rich, oral tradition of storytelling in Rajasthan, believed to be 400-500 years old. Considered as a portable wooden shrine, a Kaavad has multiple panels that are hinged together. These panels open and close like doors. Wonderful collage of images depicting the tales of Ramayana, Mahabharata or local folk stories adorn these panels. As each door opens, a new chapter in the story unfolds.  A traditional kaavad would typically have 10 doors and painted in red.

These are made by a community of carpenters called the Suthars for the Kaavadiyas (storytellers) who recite the Kaavad for their Jajmans (Patrons) spread over Rajasthan. While the Kaavadiya recites his patron's genealogies, epic stories and sings praises of the patron's ancestors, the Patron makes donation.

Though the concept of Kaavadiya is fading these days, Kaavad as an art is taking new forms. Some are made with just 6 doors and these would fit in a palm. Some are painted in just black and white. The Kaavadiyas have had to adapt to the changing times. Off late, the Kaavads are made with inspirational stories with a message. They also have stories from the Panchatantra. Some are even using it as a learning device for educating children.

A Traditional Kaavad

 Kaavad Katha - Maya, was one such attempt at reviving the Kaavad Art in a contemporary form.

This was conceptualized and devised by the performer who hails from Rajasthan. 

The key artist did a brilliant job in illustrating. For the panels I worked on, the illustrations were given as rough sketches, which I would clean up or redraw and add colours. 

The other artist worked on a beautiful abstract covering two panels.

These panels were of '4 ft x 2 ft' size and were not connected. Instead wheels were added to enable them to move while performing. 

With 8 panels painted on both sides, with some props, the play had several shows. 

Later, during one informal discussion, it was suggested that for the show to be presented to a smaller group or to have a storytelling sort of session, a typical kaavad would be more handy.

Several days passed in deciding on whether to go for the same design as the typical kaavad or to redesign. When the trials were on to redesign the kaavad, I thought of the carpenter Raamanna, who helped me with the fixtures at my place when i newly moved in. Impressed by his workmanship I approached him with the Kaavad, which I borrowed for few days. He agreed on the condition that I should get him the material like wood, hinges, and also draw all the pieces to scale and give.(It was more like an apprenticeship). I didn't have much idea regarding the wood type; many suggested to go for MDF.. and so I went with it.

 After 3 weeks of persuading and follow up, Kaavad got ready. He calls the traditional one Desi Kaavad and his make as Export quality. But the end product turned out to be heavy, making it sort of difficult to carry and perform. Raamanna suggested we could try deal wood, again on the same conditions that I will be getting the wood. (the processed one)

In case of MDF, the required thickness was readily available. but working with it was too dusty. Deal wood that is available in most shops is the one that is used for packing and it is not in ready to use condition. One has to check it for holes,  needs some planing and a bit of polishing to get it in usable state. 

With some more persuasion.. work begins. 

To save time, I start working on the panels that are ready. He didn't have many tools to get the smooth cuts.. he gave me some white cement to fill in the uneven spots. After filling in the uneven plane I further smoothed out the rough edges by sanding. Meanwhile he worked on completing the remaining part. 

I had 3 days left to complete the painting.. so first started with sketching all the panels..

Painted panels 

After assembling..

With the Desi Kaavad and the MDF one..

 The story unfolds....