Painting and Theatre in Kashmir
-Suraj Tiku's Journey: (English)
Author: Ramesh Tamiri;
Book Review: Deepak Budki
Painting and Theatre in Jammu and Kashmir have kept pace with other parts of the country though political instability in the region has always cast its shadow on their proper development. Dr Ramesh Tamiri has done a great service to the modern cultural history of Kashmir by writing the book ‘Painting and theatre in Kashmir – Suraj Tiku’s Journey’ which not only records the life and works of the great artist and set designer but also gives a detailed account of the evolution of these genres in the valley.
Kashmir
school of painting , as per the author, finds mention in Nilmat
Purana in as early as 6th
century and by Marco Polo in 14th
century. It distinctly bore the influence of the Gandharan and Gupta
art. After lull for some time in the medieval period, Kashmiri
artists found patronage in Akbar’s court. The Kashmir Miniature
School of painting, characterised by lack of interest in portraiture
and use of wide range of colours, produced great masters like Tota
Ram Naqqash and his descendents. Nineteenth century found a flow of
foreign artists and writers into the valley and rediscoverd the
importance of portraiture in paintings. Establishment of Sir Amar Singh Technical Institute in 1913 proved a great boon for art and
theatre in Kashmir.
 |
| Suraj Tiku (1927 - 1997) |
Great Masters like Kampassi, JN mattoo, JN Sapru, SN
Raina, M Raina, DN Wali, Manohar Kaul were a product of this
institute. Ratan Parimoo, SN Bhat, Trilok Kaul, and PN Kachru,
influenced by SH Raza and Percy Brown, later joined these artists
followed by Bansi Parimu, GR Santosh, Kashmiri Khosa , Kishori
Koul, Mohiuddin, NK Zadoo, RK Sadhu , KN Fotedar and Sculptors like BK Sultan, Gayoor Hassan, Shabir Mirza, Shaiqa Mohi, Rajinder Tiku and
Mir Imtiyaz. The author has also included number of photographs of
these eminent artists from the valley.
Tracing
back the history to Raas Leelas and Ram Leelas, the Kashmiri theatre
was later influenced by the Parsi theatre in the 19th
century though in the intervening period the rise of Hafizas (Nautch
girls) and Bhands also finds mention. Amateur Dramatic Club pioneered
the establishment of regular theatre in Kashmir followed by a caravan
of theatres like Saraswati Dramatic Club, Kashmir Theatrical Company,
Natak Vibhag, Karod Tirath Dramatic Club, Kala Kendra etc. The author
has also mentioned the establishment of National Cultural Front, Moti
Lal Kemmu’s revival of professionalism in Bhand Paether,
contribution of National School of Drama and evolution of playwright
techniques in the valley.
In the
chapter entitled ‘Kashi Nath Bhan-Suraj Tiku’s Guru’, the author
has paid great tribute to the eminent painter, actor, director,
teacher and social activist, Kashi Nath Bhan. He has reconstructed the
life and works of this great artist by interviewing a number of
people who knew him closely since most of the works of Bhan had been
destroyed during militancy in Kashmir. The life of KN Bhan is a saga
of strife and endeavour. He was the pioneer of art and theatre in
Kashmir and left a great legacy behind him. Bhan’s encounters with
eminent national artistes like Prithvi Raj Kapoor are also recorded
which throw light on his character, vision and resolve.
Part two
and three of the book deals with the evolution of Suraj Tiku as a
master painter and a creative set designer.The life of Tiku is full of
strife. He obtained Diploma in Fine Arts from Sir Amar Singh
Technical Institute, worked initially as a teacher in a Government school and later in the Songs
and Drama Division, J&K State. He learnt painting and theatre from his guru, KN
Bhan. He had a passion for painting landscape of Kashmir which he
continued even after migrating from Kashmir valley in 1990 on accounts of militancy.
Nevertheless,
he excelled in Portraiture and Miniature paintings too. His
contribution to set designing and theatre was unparalleled. He was
known for his sense of humour and philanthropy. He breathed his last
on 26 January 1997 in exile, exasperated by heavy smoking and
consequent asthma. The author has included a large number of photos
which give a glimpse of the life and works of Suraj Tiku. In the
last chapter the author has thrown light on various members of Tiku
clan, past and present ,who have significantly contributed to the art
and theatre movement in Kashmir.
It may not
be out of place to say that given the post-migration scenario in
which the book has been written, Dr Tamiri has produced a gem of a
book which will have a referral value for generations to come. The
language used is simple and without unwanted cliche and technical
jargon. The choice of photographs and paintings adds to the value of
the book as a document tracing the evolution of art and theatre in
Kashmir.
******
Price: Rs. 650 (Hard cover) & Rs.300 (Paper back)
Publisher: Suraj Foundation, 245, Amar Colony Extension,Gol Gujral, Talab Tillu,Jammu - 180002
Contact details: surajfoundation@yahoo.com, (M) +91-9419114691
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