Himachali artist has a knack of carving miniature bamboo replica of traditional architecture
Showing redoubtable dedication and creativity, Kartar Singh Sonkhle from Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh has made models of many traditional Himachali temples like Bhimakali, Hadimba, Mamaleshwar, Parashar and the famous Christchurch in Shimla.
Apart from bamboo replicas he has also chiselled out the model of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and other the raw material sculptures like the figures of cranes and pigeons out of pine cones ;and the fascinating miniature models of Pahari houses fitted in bottles.
A relatively large model of the famous Naggar temple of Tripura Sundari has been one of thr special attractions on his previous exhibitions. Making the models of temples and other structures Mr. Sonkhle works with geometrical precision maintaining the original proportions of each building, which makes his copies exact and easily recognizable.
He was also awarded Padma Shri by the Union Government in the category of art last year in 2021.
According to him, though his works are hardly for sale, as he would like them to be displayed in museums and be seen by many people rather than decorate one man’s living room.
