In the small town of Madhapar, Bhuj, in the Kachchh region of Gujarat, lives Ashish Kansara, a dedicated artisan of Rogan Painting. Born in 1975, Ashish has spent most of his life mastering and preserving this ancient art form. At 47, he has faced the challenges of declining demand for traditional crafts, but his commitment to his roots—Rogan art—remains steadfast.
The Timeless Craft of Rogan Painting: A 1,550-Year-Old Tradition from India
Rogan art is a 1,550-year-old painting technique that originated in India. The word "Rogan" means "Rang Kaam" (work of color) and comes from Sanskrit. This traditional art form involves creating intricate designs on fabric using paint made from castor oil, combined with natural pigments. Artisans use a thin metal stylus to draw freehand, creating stunning designs that often depict natural elements like birds, flowers, and trees. Rogan art has a deep connection to the Gujarat region, where it was passed down through generations, especially among artisan families.
Unveiling the Ancient Art of Rogan Painting: A Journey Through History and Discovery
For many years, there were misconceptions surrounding Rogan painting due to a lack of solid historical evidence supporting its origins. However, in 2008, a significant discovery changed this narrative. Japanese scientist Yoko Taniguchi, in partnership with UNESCO, stumbled upon an entire community of Buddha followers in Bamiyan, Afghanistan. Among the findings in this town were extraordinary oil paintings on walls, wooden doors, and fabrics dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries, believed to be the oldest oil paintings globally. This breakthrough shed light on the materials utilized in these ancient oil paintings. The paint was reported to be a blend of drying oils like Rogan, chalk, and natural pigments, with oils such as linseed, walnut, castor, and poppy seed serving as alternatives. During the Silk Road period, Indian artisans produced handicrafts exported to Europe, China, and Japan, with Rogan painting emerging as one of the techniques. In Gujarat, Hindus practiced Rogan painting, commonly employing it to adorn vibrant Chania's (skirts) and saris, particularly worn during Hindu weddings. These traditional garments were favored by communities such as the Bharwad, Rabari, Ahir, and Patel. While the advent of machine printing contributed to the decline of Rogan art, remnants of the practice persisted in certain villages. Approximately 60 to 70 years ago, Rogan art was still prevalent across Gujarat. Today, this ancient tradition is preserved by a sole Hindu family dedicated to upholding its legacy.
Ashish Kansara was introduced to Rogan art in the early 1990s at the age of 14, Ashish began learning the craft. His fascination with the vivid colors and intricate detailing of Rogan art quickly grew into a lifelong passion.
The Enduring Legacy of Rogan Art by Ashish Kansara's Story
Coming from a family deeply rooted in art, Ashish's grandfather, Jamnadas Vastaram Kansara, initially practiced Rogan art before transitioning to a more secure position in a textile mill. Ashish's father, Shantilal Jamnadas Kansara, worked as a rickshaw driver until his passing in 2004. Despite his family moving away from the craft, Ashish was resolute in continuing the legacy of Rogan art.
The Resilience of Ashish: A Story of Adversity and Artistic Passion
The significant earthquake in Bhuj in 2001 marked a crucial turning point for Ashish and numerous artisans in the area. After the earthquake, the interest in traditional crafts such as Rogan art drastically declined. There was an influx of machine-printed fabrics in the market, which were more affordable and easier to manufacture. Consequently, Ashish had to temporarily set aside his beloved art. During this period, he pursued photography and took up different roles in private offices to sustain himself financially. Nevertheless, his dedication to Rogan art remained steadfast, and he eagerly awaited the opportunity to resume his craft.
Revitalizing Rogan painting by Ashish Kansara's Contemporary Innovations and Market Success
In 2006, Ashish came back to Rogan art with a fresh perspective. Recognizing the importance of catering to contemporary preferences, he introduced new patterns and expanded his range of products. In addition to traditional clothing, he diversified by applying Rogan art to items such as scarves, wallets, shawls, sarees, and wall decorations. One of his most remarkable innovations was incorporating religious motifs, particularly images of Hindu deities like Krishna and Ganesha, which garnered widespread acclaim for his creations. These sacred portrayals enabled Ashish to establish a unique position in the market, shedding light on the elegance of Rogan art while attracting a wider, more modern audience.
The Uphill Battle of Safeguarding Rogan Art in a Fast Fashion Society
Despite his achievements, Ashish continues to encounter difficulties in safeguarding Rogan art in a society where fast fashion prevails. The intricate and time-consuming process of Rogan art demands great patience, with each piece taking days or even weeks to finish, posing a challenge in the face of mass-produced textiles. Nevertheless, for Ashish, Rogan art represents more than just a means of living - it embodies a cultural legacy that he is determined to preserve. His unwavering dedication to upholding this age-old tradition is apparent in his precise craftsmanship and steadfast devotion.
Preserving the Legacy of Rogan Art: Ashish's Inspiring Journey
Apart from creating his own art, Ashish is dedicated to sharing his expertise with aspiring artists. He conducts workshops in Madhapar, Bhuj, where he educates young artisans on the intricate methods of Rogan painting. His goal is to safeguard this art form for the coming generations. Ashish's endeavors have been acknowledged at different craft events and showcases, revitalizing the prominence of Rogan art. Through his instruction, he has ignited curiosity in this age-old craft, securing its legacy.
The Resilient Transformation: Ashish Kansara's Modernization of Rogan Art
Rogan painting by Ashish Kansara's journey embodies resilience, creativity, and a strong commitment to safeguarding Rogan art. Despite facing challenges such as the Bhuj earthquake, Ashish has persistently strived to uphold this traditional art form. By introducing new approaches and dedicating himself to education, Ashish has successfully modernized Rogan art while honoring its historical origins. His efforts not only highlight the elegance of this 1,550-year-old practice but also motivate upcoming artisans.
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