Hema Malini’s clarion call to support the Sanjhi artists of Vrindavan
Member of Parliament and actor Hema Malini has recently suggested the government if there is any plan to give a leg up to the artists from Mathura-Vrindavan engaged in Sanjhi art.
Clad in a beautiful Madhubani handpainted saree, MP Hema Malini expressed her concern directed to Textile Minister, “Artists from all across the country including Madhubani painters from Bihar are encouraged through textile products. I want to ask the Textile Minister if there is any plan to do the same for the artists from Mathura-Vrindavan indulged in Sanjhi Art, she asked in a press conference”.
Originated in the birthplace of Krishna, Sanjhi art is one of the unique craft forms that feature exquisite designs and intricate picture motifs, cut into paper, Sanjhi painting reached its peak in Vrindavan.
According to Ashutosh Verma a sixth-generation Sanjhi artist whose family has been practicing Sanjhi art for 300 years,” “Started in Dwapar Yuga and the art is still being practiced in the Kalyuga. It is the need of the hour that People become more aware of this art and it shall reach to masses. Contrary to a general perception that it is just a rangoli or a stencil art, it is more than that. We also teach this art form to as many as possible even without any fees”.
To create Sanjhi design, stencils are made on paper — mostly handmade — using specially designed scissors. These prepared stencils are then placed on flat surfaces or water, where the artist wishes to draw the art. It is followed by putting dry colors over it and then lifting the stencils carefully. Peacocks, bullock carts, horses, cows, butterflies, and trees are the recurrent motifs used in Sanjhi.
As per info at industries.rajasthan.gov.in, rooted in the folk culture of the region, it was popularised by the Vaishnava temples in the 15th and 16th centuries it was traditionally used to make rangolis in Lord Krishna temples, especially by Brahmin priests. During the Mughal period, several contemporary themes were added to the art for greater perspective. Today, one can find Sanjhi artworks in many homes and spaces, including Delhi metro stations apart from a few temples of India, with the Radharamana temple of Vrindavan being one of them.
Its Mythological significance stems from the belief that Radha used to paint her walls with Sanjhi art to attract Lord Krishna’s attention. For the same, she used colored stones, metal foils, and flowers to paint her walls that were plastered with cow dung. Similarly, other gopis of Vrindavan also started painting the same way to charm the Lord.
Sanjhi Artworks by Sanjhipapercutting (Instagram)
