Namma Choice - Cultural Market

Kinnal Art, also known as Kinhal Craft, is a centuries-old traditional art form from Kinhal village in Koppal district, Karnataka. Known for its vibrant colors, intricate carvings, and religious significance, this unique wooden craft represents the rich artistic heritage of South India. --- 🧱 Origin and History Kinnal Art dates back to the Vijayanagara Empire (14th–17th century), flourishing under royal patronage. It was primarily used to decorate temples, chariots (rathas), and religious idols. Artisans known as 'Chitragars' or 'Bammavalis' passed the skills through generations, keeping the sacred tradition alive. --- 🪵 What Makes Kinnal Art Unique? Base Material: Made from a mixture of wooden powder (sawdust), tamarind seed paste, and water, shaped on lightweight wooden frames. Color Scheme: Bright primary colors like red, green, yellow, and blue are used, traditionally made from natural pigments. Motifs: Mainly mythological figures, temple idols, religi...

🎎 Where Craft Meets Culture Nestled in the vibrant town of Channapatna in Karnataka, these colorful wooden toys are more than just playthings — they are a symbol of India’s rich craftsmanship, eco-conscious design, and timeless heritage. Recognized globally for their aesthetic beauty and traditional value, Channapatna toys hold a Geographical Indication (GI) tag , protecting their unique identity and craftsmanship. 🪵 A Glimpse into History: When and How It Started The origins of Channapatna toys trace back to the 18th century , during the reign of Tipu Sultan , the ruler of Mysore. Tipu Sultan, impressed by Persian wooden art, invited skilled artisans from Persia to train local craftsmen in lacquerware techniques . This led to the birth of a new craft — a blend of Persian technique and Indian creativity — now famously known as Channapatna toys. 👨‍🎨 The Inventors: Legacy of the Craft Community While the art form was introduced during Tipu Sultan's time, it was the local ...

Mandala art is an ancient geometric design representing harmony, balance, and spirituality. Rooted in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, mandalas have been used for meditation, rituals, and artistic expression. Today, mandala art extends beyond religious contexts, serving as a form of therapy, self-expression, and contemporary design. Historical and Cultural Origins The word mandala originates from Sanskrit, meaning "circle." Mandalas have been a significant part of Indian and Tibetan spiritual traditions for centuries. In Buddhist culture, intricate sand mandalas symbolize the impermanence of life, created with painstaking detail and then ritualistically dismantled. Hindu traditions incorporate mandalas into yantras, geometric diagrams used for meditation and devotion. Mandalas are not exclusive to South Asia; similar designs appear in Native American, Celtic, and Islamic art, illustrating a universal appreciation for geometric symmetry and balance. Types of Mandala Art Mandala ...