Ramjhol 1.0 – Rajasthan: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow is an exploration of the culture of Rajasthan and its ties with Kolkata. It is not a mere exhibition in a traditional sense, but a conclave of Rajasthani culture across platforms and KCC tries to touch upon all aspects of creativity through this conclave including contemporary art, theatre, film, craft, design, architecture and history and language & literature, culminating in three days of performances, workshops, talks and exhibitions.
The Conclave’s exploration tries to go beyond the celebratory cliches one usually encounters– the usual contrast of rustic and royal, rustled up for the tourism industry. Ramjhol 1.0’s take on Rajasthan culture is completely different from the usual and focuses on aspects such as Rajasthani language, its literature, its unique poetic and musical traditions.
The Conclave will present Dingal and Maand, two rare genres of poetry and music respectively that developed in the feudal milieu so unique to the region. Dingal with its unique metres, performative styles and alliteration patterns like बयणसगाई and Maand with its distinctive repertoire of songs and murkis and khatkas.
Migration to Kolkata from Rajasthan dramatically increased after the छप्पनियो काळ – the terrible drought of 1899. In the aftermath of this increased migration, the profits from business here, in East India, were used to build some of the most marvelous havelis in Rajasthan– particularly in Shekhawati. KCC is excited to present a talk on this chapter in the backdrop of the history of Kolkata and Rajasthan.
Even as Ramjhol 1.0 engages with the ‘traditional’, it will also present the ‘contemporary’: adapting to the new media of OTT platforms and social media, new literature which engages with a history of migration, theatre based on multi-lingual adaptations of traditional folk stories, and contemporary apparel made using the traditional weaving and embroidery forms. The Conclave also offers film screenings, workshops and performances.
Scholars, poets, craftsmen and artistes from across Rajasthan including Bikaner, Barmer, Alwar and Beawar will be participating in this Conclave.
Richa Agarwal, Chairperson of Kolkata Center for Creativity said, “Over these three days, KCC will come alive with a series of events that will transport us to the land of royals — from an art exhibition by the renowned artist and researcher Madan Meena that will showcase the intricate craftsmanship of Rajasthan, to insightful talk sessions, Pop Ups, musical performance by Pandit Pukhraj ji Sharma, a play by Ramanjit Kaur and group, traditional performances like Ghoomar and multiple workshops on folk art forms like Pichhwai and a lot more. It is our privilege to have scholars, poets, craftsmen and artistes from across Rajasthan includingBikaner, Beawar Kota & Bharatpur among us for Ramjhol 1.0 We promise you an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your senses and your soul.”
