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TRACES OF THE PAST

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A world within a world, Kuppalli has a serene but enigmatic past cocooned in the lush lap of mother nature, unperturbed by the humdrum of the modern world

Words & Photographs by Susheel Kumar

After years of reading about Rashtrakavi (national poet) Kuvempu, I had the good fortune of visiting his village in the Malenadu belt of Karnataka, and savouring its picturesque setting. Kuppalli, a hamlet in southern India, is not a name that is easily recognisable. Yet, it is home to some of the most intriguing legacies that are highlights in the history our country. Located in Thirthahalli taluk of Shivamogga district in the south-western belt of Karnataka, this tiny village was home to the celebrated Kannada poet.

Kuppalli & its Historical Significance

Located at less than 18 KM from Thirthahalli, Kuppalli is easily accessible by road. It is around 350 KM from Bengaluru. Kuppalli holds a significant place in the Kannada literary world since this is not only the place where Kuvempu grew up and breathed his last, but also the birthplace of his son, Poornachandra Tejaswi, a well-known writer who carried forward the legacy of his father.

Kuvempu: The Literary Beacon

Kuppalli Venkatappa Puttappa or ‘Kuvempu’ (pen name) was a poet, novelist & playwright whose works are lauded for their engaging content and wide appeal. A Jnanpith awardee, he has many accolades for his immense contribution to Kannada literature. He was also conferred the Padma Vibhushan—India’s second highest civilian award—by the Government of India in 1988. The Government of Karnataka also awarded Kuvempu with the title “Rashtrakavi” in honour of his literary accomplishments. His novel ‘Sri Ramayana Darshanam’ is one of the most highly-regarded works of literature in India.

Journey into an ageless past

This was my first visit to this serene village, and the chance to witness two magnificent structures located in close vicinity of each other – the Kavimane (poet’s house) and Kavishaila (a rock monument perched on top of a tiny hill). I must admit that it is quite an exhilarating and benumbing experience standing in person in front of the ancestral house of a literary giant you’ve spent years studying about. The mute house beckons, while the aura of Kuvempu halts you in your tracks.

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Kavimane

All the structures in the vicinity, including the Kavimane, have been maintained by a trust called Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Pratishtana. Today, the poet’s house is a museum, not only portraying the lifestyle of Kuvempu, but also showcasing most of his prominent literary works. It also houses a small store where one can buy books and other media authored by Kuvempu.In the backdrop of forests fronted by rather tall trees, stands the Kavimane, a housing complex consisting of two buildings connected to each other internally. It is a three-storeyed structure with roofing made out of tiles. Surrounded by a lush green landscape, a first glimpse is all it takes to be transported back to an idyllic age—an age mesmerised by a prodigious poet.

Fronting this historical monument is a huge courtyard, where articles used by Kuvempu and his family members are carefully preserved either in the original storage form or in wooden showcases. The Kavimane consists of multiple rooms for specific purposes such as Baananti Kone, a room for mothers to take care of her newborn. Such meticulous planning while constructing a home almost a century ago speaks reams about the life and times of Kuvempu. Exploring further, I noticed a kitchen with rather gigantic utensils used to prepare large quantity of food for a large group of people including visitors who frequented the house during its prime.

The first floor has been converted into a gallery, showcasing many awards and citations that Kuvempu was conferred upon. Some of the personal articles used by the poet such as pen, walking stick, and umbrella have been carefully preserved by the trust. The mystery and aura surrounding Kuvempu deepen as you find yourself captivated by the sight of these personal artifacts used by the poet himself all those decades ago. The second level primarily consists of a display cabinet where books written by Kuvempu are displayed in an enclosure and includes his doctorate certificates. At all levels, framed photographs of Kuvempu and his family members are mounted on walls.

Kavishaila

Located close to the Kavimane is Kavishaila a rock monument dedicated to the Rashtrakavi located on top of a small hill. At the heart of this monument lies a memorial where the poet was laid to rest after his death on November 9, 1994. This was also the place where Kuvempu and his friends from the literary world held frequent meetings to discuss various subjects. I personally felt ecstatic witnessing the abode of Kuvempu, one of the greatest poets India has ever produced. More importantly, I could feel myself give in to the simple charm of village life and slip into an induced reverie, even if just for a few fleeting days.

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Art

Navratri 2024: Celebrating the Nine Colours and Their Significance

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Navratri, the festival that spans nine nights, is one of the most auspicious and widely celebrated festivals in India. Dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine forms, each day of Navratri holds special significance, marked by a distinct color that carries deep spiritual and cultural meaning. As we prepare for Navratri 2024, let’s explore the nine colors associated with each day, their significance, and how they inspire devotion, positivity, and harmony.

Day 1: Yellow

On Thursday, embrace the uplifting energy of yellow as you celebrate Navratri with optimism and joy. This warm and cheerful color symbolizes happiness and radiates positivity, keeping you in high spirits throughout the day.

Day 2: Green

On Friday, wear green, a color that represents nature, growth, and harmony. It evokes a sense of peace and serenity, while also symbolizing new beginnings. Let the vibrant energy of green invite tranquility and the blessings of the Goddess into your life.

Day 3: Grey

Saturday calls for the subtle sophistication of grey. This balanced color keeps you grounded and calm, symbolizing composure and understated elegance. It’s perfect for those who want to participate in Navratri with grace while making a refined style statement.

Day 4: Orange

On Sunday, adorn yourself in the vibrant hue of orange. This color embodies warmth, exuberance, and positivity. Wearing orange during Navratri invokes an upbeat energy, bringing vitality and a lively spirit to your celebrations.

Day 5: White

Start your Monday with the purity and serenity of white. Associated with innocence and spiritual clarity, this color invites inner peace and helps you connect with the divine blessings of the Goddess, offering a sense of security and calm.

Day 6: Red

On Tuesday, red takes center stage, symbolizing passion, love, and strength. As one of the most auspicious colors, red is often offered to the Goddess in the form of a Chunri. Wearing red fills you with energy, vigor, and the vibrant spirit of Navratri.

Day 7: Royal Blue

Wednesday’s color is royal blue, representing elegance, richness, and tranquility. This deep, vivid shade of blue exudes confidence and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for those who want to celebrate Navratri with style and grace.

Day 8: Pink

On Thursday, don the charming hue of pink, a symbol of universal love, affection, and harmony. Pink is a color that adds a soft touch of warmth and approachability, making it perfect for creating a loving and joyful atmosphere during the festivities.

Day 9: Purple

On the final day of Navratri, purple takes the spotlight. Associated with luxury, nobility, and grandeur, purple invites opulence into your life. Wearing this regal color while worshipping Navdurga bestows blessings of prosperity and richness, making it the perfect way to end your Navratri celebrations.

 

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Luxury

Cartier’s New High Jewellery Collection is a Love For The Wild

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In 2021, the American Museum of Natural History in New York presented Beautiful Creatures, an exhibition showcasing some of the most eccentric jewellery designs of the past century. One standout piece was the iconic crocodile necklace of Mexican actress María Félix, a loyal Cartier patron. Félix, renowned for her bold sense of style, famously strolled into Cartier’s Paris store in 1975 with her pet crocodile, requesting a necklace in its likeness. Cartier delivered, crafting two intertwined crocodiles encrusted with over a thousand emeralds and yellow diamonds. For Félix, crocodiles symbolized freedom, an embodiment of the spirit she associated with Mexico’s Golden Age of cinema.

Fast forward to today, and Félix’s wildest dreams seem to have come to life at Cartier’s latest high jewellery collection, Nature Sauvage, previewed at the historic Kursalon Hübner gallery in Vienna. Among the star pieces is the Koaga necklace, a masterful creation where a zebra clasps an emerald-cut diamond and a 6.25-carat pear-shaped rubellite in its mouth. The zebra’s form is exquisitely rendered in alternating onyx stripes and pavé diamonds, making the creature feel almost lifelike.

The relationship between animals and jewellery has deep mythological roots, often glorified through rituals and symbolism. In ancient Egypt, scarab beetles were worn as earrings to signify respect for life’s cyclical nature. Meanwhile, in Hellenistic Greece, gods and goddesses took on the forms of winged creatures in adornment. So, what is it about animal-themed jewellery that continues to captivate us? According to Amanda Triossi, a jewellery historian based in Rome, the allure lies in our primal instincts: “Wearing wild animals like panthers or tigers gives one the sense of having conquered them. It’s empowering, as if you inherit the animal’s strength and attributes.”

Cartier captures this essence beautifully in its Amphista necklace. Featuring two intertwined snakes with diamond scales set with emeralds, their heads adorned with kite-shaped diamonds, the necklace echoes ancient Chinese philosophy’s yin-yang balance. The pièce de résistance? Nine octagonal Colombian emeralds, weighing a total of 14.72 carats.

Triossi also notes that many historical heroes are often depicted draped in the skins of animals they’ve vanquished, a symbol of triumph. Today, jewellery transforms that symbol into something precious and eternal—animal skins reimagined in imperishable materials.

Later that evening, at a celebration held at Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest in Austria, the enchantment of Cartier’s collection was heightened. The museum’s octagonal domes featured paintings of animals dancing with angels, setting the stage for a magical night. Guests were greeted by masterpieces such as Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait and Caravaggio’s Madonna of the Rosary, alongside Cartier page boys in their signature red hats. The evening’s soundtrack, a seamless blend of Bach and Kygo, was curated by DJ Gillian Sagansky, lending a modern twist to the classical ambiance.

The following day brought another cultural adventure—a visit to Otto Wagner’s Villa, a stunning summer palace designed by the famed architect. The paintings adorning the villa’s walls depicted animals in various forms—some caught in purgatory, others wandering the biblical bardo, with alligators restlessly emerging from swampy landscapes.

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Luxury

Indian Craftsmanship Meets Italian Savoir Faire : Rahul Mishra x Tod’s

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Quiet luxury was expected to dominate for a while, with many predicting that the return of bold, extravagant fashion would take its time. However, maximalism seems to be making a swift comeback, especially in the realm of designer collaborations. Hot on the heels of the vibrant, print-heavy H&M x Anamika Khanna collection, another limited-edition line has arrived, celebrating opulent luxury: Rahul Mishra x Tod’s.

As part of Tod’s T-Factory project, which features exclusive collaborations with creative innovators, this marks Indian couturier Rahul Mishra’s debut in the international accessories space.

Mishra is a true ambassador of Indian design. Along with his wife Divya Mishra, he leads his eponymous label, which has brought the essence of India to the global stage in remarkable ways. A regular at Paris Fashion Week and the first Indian designer to showcase at Paris Haute Couture Week, his creations have adorned celebrities like Zendaya and Mark Zuckerberg, and have graced magazine covers in South Korea, China, and Europe. With such a path-defining legacy, it’s no surprise that Mishra and his visionary label were Tod’s natural choice for their first-ever Indian collaboration.

Mishra describes this collaboration as a beautiful fusion of “Italian craftsmanship serving as the canvas for Indian vision.” Tod’s iconic Gommino loafers and mules, along with the Di Bag and T Timeless shoulder bag, have been reimagined with intricate resham embroidery, crystals, and sequins—all meticulously hand-embroidered at Mishra’s atelier in Noida. “It was a technically challenging process that took time to perfect. I can confidently say these are some of the finest bags and shoes you’ll ever witness, in terms of craftsmanship and longevity. Such pieces are forever,” Mishra proudly shares.

Crafted entirely between India and Italy, the limited-edition pieces from this collection are a true love letter to the artisanal heritage of both nations. “There’s a beauty in the teamwork here,” Mishra explains. “We received raw materials from Italy and worked on integrating our embroideries seamlessly into their leather. The pieces were then sent back to Tod’s, where they transformed them into stunning, three-dimensional products. In that sense, it’s been a genuine collaboration between Italy and India.”

Mishra firmly believes that the future of global design will be shaped by a global Indian aesthetic. “Just as French, Italian, British, and Japanese designs are now seen as universal,” he explains. This collaboration marks a significant step in advancing that narrative. “When you push the boundaries of ‘handmade in India’ to be respected at the pinnacle of luxury, everything else will naturally follow,” he emphasizes.

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