Namma Choice - Cultural Market

 A Journey into One of the World’s Oldest Sustainable Traditions 🌱 Introduction Bamboo is more than a plant. It is a story of survival, creativity, and cultural intelligence — nurtured in silence, shaped by hands, and used with care across centuries. Across India and the world, bamboo art has quietly contributed to livelihoods, identity, and ecological balance. As we reimagine conscious consumption, the time has come to understand how bamboo connects people, nature, and purpose . 📖 When and Where It Began The earliest traces of bamboo craftsmanship appear in prehistoric communities in Asia. In regions where bamboo grew abundantly, it became a natural extension of life — woven into homes, rituals, tools, and art. India : Bamboo craft traditions go back centuries, deeply embedded in tribal and rural lifestyles, especially in Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, and Karnataka . China & Japan : Bamboo played a vital role in classical arts, archite...

Among the many jewels that tell the story of India’s rich heritage, the Putali Haar stands out as a radiant example of devotion, culture, and feminine grace. Deeply rooted in Maharashtrian tradition, this unique ornament is more than just a necklace — it’s a symbol of ancestral pride and spiritual abundance. --- 🕰️ Historical Origins: When Did Putali Haar Begin? The origins of the Putali Haar date back to the Maratha Empire, particularly during the rule of the Peshwas (18th century). At a time when Hindu traditions and temple art flourished under royal patronage, women of noble families wore this coin necklace as a display of both wealth and spiritual reverence. The word "Putali" (पुतळी) in Marathi means doll or image, but in this context, it refers to the images of deities imprinted on the coins strung together in the haar. These images were believed to protect, bless, and honor the wearer. --- 🔶 Design and Structure: What Makes It Special? Putali Haar is tradi...

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...

🪶 What Are Kolhapuri Chappals? Kolhapuri Chappals are handcrafted leather sandals originating from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, known for their intricate design, long-lasting quality, and deep cultural roots. Made using vegetable-tanned leather, and crafted entirely by hand—without nails or machines—these chappals are symbols of Indian rural artistry and heritage. --- 🛕 When & How It Was Created The roots of Kolhapuri Chappals trace back to the 12th century, during the reign of King Bijjala of Bidar and his visionary minister Basavanna, who encouraged artisanal work and supported the leather-working community. The craft gained wide recognition in the early 20th century, especially under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the ruler of Kolhapur, who promoted local artisans and helped establish the chappal’s cultural and economic value. --- 📍 Where Are They Made? Kolhapuri Chappals are traditionally made in: Maharashtra: Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur Karnataka: Belgaum, Bagalkot,...

  Tanjore Painting: A Timeless Treasure | Namma Choice Tanjore Painting: A Timeless Treasure of South India 🎨 Origin & History Tanjore painting, also spelled Thanjavur painting, is a classical South Indian art form that originated in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu , during the late 16th century. It emerged during the rule of the Nayaka dynasty , and flourished under the Marathas , especially under King Serfoji II. 📜 Historical Timeline Pre-16th Century: Roots in Chola temple murals Late 1500s: Formalized under Nayaka rule 1700s–1800s: Enhanced under Maratha kings Post-Independence: Popularized as decorative devotional art 🖌️ Artistic Features Base Material: Jackfruit or teak wood planks (Palagai Padam) Techniques: Gesso relief work + 22K gold leaf Colors: Rich red, blue, green, and gold tones Subjects: Krishna, Lakshmi, Shiva, Ganesha, saints Style: Central deity, arches, lamps, mythi...