An entire episode of Mahabharata is intricately etched on an 11-inch long conch shell. This is a masterpiece of Bablu Nandi in Haatagram village of Bankura, who was recently selected as a national award in recognition of his talent (he will personally receive the award in December). In the center of this award-winning conch shell, the chariot of Krishna and Arjun is carved. Next is the Biswaroop Darshan scene where Krishna shows Arjun his universal form or Viswarup. The engraving continues to depict Garna struggling to pull out his trapped chariot wheel on the Kuruksheta battlefield, followed by the gada battle scene at the edge of the cannonball by Bim and the pratigya bhongo at the tip of Krishna, and more many. 

The traditional conch shell or shankha is a ubiquitous part of Bangladeshi homes, and its sound marks the lighting of shondhe pradip ritual lights at night or in most homes. For Nandi, his family is a member of the Shankharu community and has been in the shell making business for generations. This is his canvas. Bankura has a history of shell art, which is a family tradition for Nandi. He has a knack for carving since he was a child, and he can carve on wood and rock. His father taught him seashells, and he started making conch shells, bracelets, decorative trinkets and other commercial items.

However, he wanted to do more and began to receive training in khodai or carving work with his school teacher Bangshidhar Mondal, a student of artist Haripada Kundu. Nandi started by carving wood, but found it difficult to handle its different forms. He also wanted to maintain his family tradition and decided to start carving shells. His inherent understanding of shells and his carving knowledge are perfectly combined in his new creation. 

As early as 1992, he carved Bhismar Sarasoja on a conch shell for the first time. He submitted his work to regional and state competitions, but was disappointed. The following year, he created the story of human evolution, from the Stone Age to modern sakkhorota or literacy, and his work was recognized at the regional and state levels. National awards became his next dream. He has submitted his works many times, and the sculptures involve multiple themes, including women's empowerment, agricultural development, etc., but no luck. 

In 2018, he started carving Mahabharata on conch shells. It took three months to complete this work, after which he sent it to the Kolkata office for consideration for rewards. A few days later, he received a call saying that his work was selected as a national prize entry. A few days later, a call from the regional office told him that his victory was a dream come true, and he was looking forward to receiving his award in person in December.

At the same time, he continued his work at home. In addition to his epic masterpieces, Nandi also carved various patterns and mythological scenes on conch shells, and used oyster shells to make decorations. He also trains women in nearby communities to do this handicraft, and now they work with his wife to make different objects in his studio. 

Like most other handicrafts, the pandemic has dealt a heavy blow to the Shankharu community. During this period, they did not get help and it has been difficult to maintain a livelihood. But Bablu Nandi has been cultivating his exquisite craftsmanship. Now, this award not only fulfills Nandi's dream of taking his art to another level, but also adds new feathers to Bancula's hat.

This is the second work created by Imagine Dragons for Riot Games

Conversation between Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen

Location: 56A, Raja Basanta Roy Road

Something is going on in the forest, Kolkata boy Palambrata is working on the case

Lune’s whereabouts line has a large number of minimal statement snippets

Copyright © 2021 Telegraph Online. all rights reserved.