“Art Is Craft, Not Inspiration”
~Stephen Sondheim
Chandua is an art culture that came into being in and around the 12th century, under the reign of Maharaja Birakshore of Puri, who ordered the local people or artisans to make stitched cloth or garments to offer Lord Jagannath. They started creating apparel, cloth, paperwork in their style, which gave rise to a new type of art culture in the town of Pipili. The town of Pipili is located around 40kms from Puri, Odisha. It is a small town whose income is based on the sale of these accessories. The irony is the village derived its name from the Pir (the holy Muslim saints) but the work they do is used for Hindu temples. This shows the diverse culture of the Indian Artisans. Before they used to make only umbrellas or chhatti and canopies which were used during the Ratha Yatra, later the culture evolved and they made it their lifestyle. They patented making embroideries, crafts which include, colorful decorations, ribbons, glass, mirrors, paper, on cotton cloth, velvet, and threads, etc which they started selling not only for rituals but also as household products. They used their skill to resemble flowers, birds, patterns, and stories of the Oriya history through the craftwork which was reflected in the variety of products, i.e, lampshades, bed sheets, wall hangings, shamianas, purses, wallets, sarees, etc.
Even the town being small and remotely located, it has become a major tourist attraction as people across the world come here to know about them and their work. Some of them have their workshop where they are actually producing it in largescale and sending it abroad, while some have their workspace cum shop where they make and sell products. The area is not much in square kilometers but has both kaccha and pakka houses, which gives us the thought that people are living in that place for many generations and they are truly skilled in what they are doing. One can easily understand the house where the work is going on, as they have decorated the outside walls in and unique and colorful way, either by paintings of flowers or sculpture. The shops open from 10-11 am and closes by 8-9 pm. It has few sweet shops in the locality where Goja and Chena Poda (sweet dish of Odisha) is widely available, but the main area is filled with applique shops. Due to the current situation of the pandemic, the economy of the markets is ruined. The workshops are now closed and not many shops are open. Even the number of tourists is less thus the market area is not congested. Through this series, I just wanted to show a glimpse of their lives.
Today this art is even evident in weddings, shopping malls, and other consumer products. For generations, Pipili people are into this and they are still embracing the culture, which depicts folklore and mythologies. It is deep-rooted with the Indian tradition and heritage. Its historical origin with the depiction of religion and customs are a part of the Indian legacy. It is one of the extinct art forms which is still alive for its impeccable work. Pipili holds the 2004 Limca Book of records for the world's largest thematic applique work ranging 177ft long which represents India’s struggle for independence. It is my pleasure to be one of the many, who could showcase its beauty.
Comments