Window Seat | Mrinal Chatterjee |
14.1.24
Saura
and Sohrai Painting
Saura painting of
Odisha and Sohrai painting of Jharkhand got GI Tag this year. This has drawn
more attention to this traditional forms of painting.
Saura painting
belongs to the 'Lanjia Saura' or 'Lanjia Savara/Sabara' tribe of Odisha's
Rayagada district, originally in the form of exterior murals in tribal homes.
 |
| Saura Painting |
The themes depicted
in Lanjia Saura paintings often revolve around nature, mythology, and the
tribe's daily life. Animals, birds, trees, and human figures are common motifs,
and each element carries symbolic significance within the cultural context of
the Lanjia Saura community. The use of bright colors and intricate patterns not
only adds to the visual appeal but also conveys a sense of energy and vitality.
The art serves as a form of visual storytelling, recounting the tribe's myths,
legends, and ancestral tales.
The process of
creating Saura paintings involves natural pigments and brushes made from
locally available materials. The artists often employ geometric shapes and
stylized forms, creating a unique visual language that sets Saura paintings
apart from other tribal art forms in India. The art form is passed down through
generations within the community, ensuring the preservation of their cultural
identity.
Sohrai painting of Hazaribagh in Jharkhand also got GI tag
this year. This art form has been practised for centuries by the tribes
of Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, and its surrounding states. This is also an ancient painting style inspired by cave
paintings discovered in Hazaribag region, which is an enclave of India’s rich
tribal cultures. Santal, Munda, Oraon, Agaria, Birhor, Kurmi, Prajapati,
Ghatwal and Ganju tribes have been living here for centuries.
 |
| Sohrai Painting |
The word ‘sohrai’ is derived from the Mundari term ‘soroi’,
which means ‘to whip with a stick. Sohrai art is an integral part of sohrai
festival, which celebrates fruitful harvest.
Like Saura painting, sohrai painting also use natural pigments
derived from clay, charcoal, cow dung and leaves. The artists use their
fingers, twigs and brushes made from animal hair. The paintings are usually
done on a white or off-white base, mixing cow dung with water and clay. The
paintings are believed to bring good
luck and prosperity to the household.
In recent years,
there has been a growing interest in tribal art among art enthusiasts,
collectors, and researchers.
28 Years of
Cartoonwatch and Communication Today
In 2024, two
publications of two different genre stepped into 28th year of continuous
publication. One is Communication Today, a media research journal, published
from Jaipur, Rajasthan by Prof. Sanjeev Bhanawat. The other is Cartoon Watch, a
magazine on cartoons from Raipur, Chattisgarh by Triambak Sharma.
 |
| Traimbak Sharma |
There are two and
half similarities between these two publications. One: both the publications
are products of passion and perseverance of individual person. Two, both the
publications have dedicated contributors. There is a strong personal bonding
between the editor/publisher and those who write or draw or send contributions.
 |
| Prof. Sanjeev Bhanawat |
And the half reason
is: I am involved with both the publications as contributor and as a friend and
well-wisher.
In a country where
the mortality rate of publications is very high, the very survival of these
publications for close to three decades is something to cherish.
I wish both a long
and enriching life.
Delhi
ki Sardi
I had recently been to Delhi to attend the 55th convocation of Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), a premier mass communication teaching and training institute which has 6 campuses including its Head Quarters in Delhi. I work in its Eastern regional campus located at Dhenkanal in Odisha.
We hardly have a winter season in Dhenkanal. Winter in
Dhenkanal is of a short duration. By the time you think of bringing out the
heavy woolens- it is over. Accustomed to a ‘now here-now not’ low intensity
winter- the winter of Delhi came as a shock.
 |
| Cartoon by Savitesh Mukherjee |
As I stepped out of the temperature controlled airport, a
gust of bone chilling wind numbed my senses. I scrambled into the waiting taxi,
rubbing my hands. The next two days I was eagerly looking forward to my return
flight.
Meanwhile I heard the song: Delhi ki Sardi. The first few
lines go like:
Koi toh aaye joh garmi laaye;
Pyar tera Dilli ki sardi,
(I hope someone brings the warmth,
Your love is like Delhi's cold weather)
Gyan
on Gadha
Ass and Donkey are
not the same. There is a pedantic difference. An ass can be wild, a donkey is
typically domesticated.
And there is a
difference between a mule and a hinny. A hinny is the offspring of a male horse
and a female donkey, known as Jenny. A mule is the offspring of a male and a
female horse.
(Courtesy: Bibek Debroy
in New Indian Express)
Gyan
on Gadha2
‘Donkey Flight’ is
illegal transportation of migrants via various stopovers. The agent who does
this is called ‘Donker’.
(Courtesy: Gurbir
Singh)
++
A
compilation of all the episodes of Window Seat published in 2023 is being
compiled into a e-book. It will be sent to interested readers for free.
Interested persons may send their email to mrinalchatterjeeiimc@gmail.com
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