In a recent talk titled “A History of South India through Selected Antiques” at The Bangalore Room in Indiranagar, historian Dr. Pradeep Chakravarthy shared the story of his ancestral home in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district. The house, with its cream walls and lilac windows, seems unremarkable from the outside. Yet, it was this very place, home to six generations of his family, that ignited Pradeep’s fascination with history. He recalled how exploring the discarded items in the house’s upper floor as a child—particularly discovering an old notebook with the relatable epithet “I hate maths” surrounded by flowers—taught him that human emotions remain unchanged over time.
Dr. Chakravarthy emphasized viewing history not just as dates and battles, but as stories of people with emotions similar to ours. Illustrating his point with a collection of antiques loaned by Bengaluru’s Natesan’s Antiqarts, he delved into the significance of each piece. He began with a bronze lamp from Tirunelveli, highlighting its practical and spiritual uses. The lamp, created by the ancient lost wax process, features elements symbolizing fertility, which date back over 10,000 years.
Another significant object was a lamp adorned with a hamsa effigy, a mythical bird symbolizing the discernment of separating good from bad. Dr. Chakravarthy explained the deeper meanings these motifs carry, urging the audience to understand the intrinsic values embodied in art and artifacts.
He also connected the dots between Tanjore paintings and Karnataka, recounting how these works of art evolved under King Serfoji II’s rule, incorporating techniques from Vijayanagar influences and reflecting fundamental philosophical concepts. Dr. Chakravarthy stressed the importance of historical inquiry, drawing lessons from the past to prevent repeating mistakes, warning of the consequences if we fail to learn from history. The engaging session underscored the timeless relevance of history through the lens of everyday objects and their profound stories.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/discovering-the-history-of-south-india-through-its-objects/article68384547.ece
Category : Bengaluru
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