A BRUSH WITH HISTORY
| A BRUSH WITH HISTORY | |
| Jackie Pinto | |
| Source: Deccan Herald | |
| A miniature painting exhibition titled 'A hero for Modern India: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj', is on till October 5 at gallery G, Lavelle Road... | |
Other Listings Deccan Herald | |
Francois Gautier is a man on a mission. His Indian connection dates back to the 70s, when he came to Auroville as a young student. A writer and journalist based in India, he strongly believes that modern day leaders should learn from icons like Chhatrapati Shivaji, who was a great administrator and warrior. “Just as the French keep Napoloean’s memory alive and celebrate his life and achievements constantly, Shivaji can be a wonderful role model for present day politicians. He respected all faiths and was a just ruler.The chief of his navy and more than 25 per cent of his armed forces were Muslims. But not all know of his greatness. In fact some think of movie stars when I refer to Shivaji,” he said speaking at a miniature painting exhibition titled ‘A hero for Modern India: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’.
An inspiring historical journey
Jyothi Raghuram
First Published : 02 Oct 2008 05:42:00 AM IST Source: Express buzz
Titled ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: A Hero for Modern India’, the pictorial representation of Shivaji’s heroics, is a f a c t u a l a n d u n b i a s e d representation of the life and times of Shivaji, drawing its source of information from the archives, whose authenticity is thus undisputed. Perhaps it is not without reason that the title of the exhibition talks of Shivaji as the hero ‘for’, and not ‘of ’ modern India. Consigned to a mere mention in history text books, Shivaji was one historical figure who was fiercely patriotic, yet truly secular, and a pioneering spirit in the fight for swarajya, centuries before it made its entry into the collective consciousness of a people.
Got up by the Foundation Against Continuing Terrorism (FACT), of which well-known French journalist and writer Francois Gautier is the trustee, the exhibition defies categorisation- paintings, line drawings and etchings are not only juxtaposed, but buttressed with contemporary documents to not only establish the unique role that Shivaji played in the history of India, but also in the preservation of her culture and spirituality. The exhibition does demand a degree of patience to go through the detailed texts, which are succinct, and as communicative as the paintings. Shivaji’s lofty ideals, his endearing traits, sense of justice, clarity of vision, and above all, his attempts to rouse the sleeping conscience of Indians against foreign domination, are depicted in flowing style. The exhibition gives much food for thought, and it is unapologetic about portraying Shivaji as one who fearlessly fought against the humiliation and oppression of Hindus.
Sumahendra, Dharm Singh, Bhanwarlal Kemawat, Kanhayyalal Varma and Jitender Singh Chandel are the artists, whose detailed work has lent artistic appeal to the theme. Gautier, considered an authority on religio-political history of the Indian subcontinet, has been a resident of India for three decades, dedicating his life to “restoring the lost glory of ancient Indian civilization”. Shivaji embodied all the qualities that an Indian leader needs today. The exhibition is also an attempt to create awareness among the youth regarding their country’s true heroes, he says. FACT has been organising exhibitions, conferences and dialogues on crucial public issues “that have been ignored by human rights agencies for whatever reasons”, and these exhibitions are a blend of history and art, and try to create human rights awareness, Veeren Chawdury, FACT all-India representative, told Expresso.
FACT has also created online exhibitions, some of which are www.aurangzeb.info , www.naxalism. info, www.bangladeshiminorities. info, www.ahilyabaiholkar.info and www.sufismexhibition.info. The current exhibition is on till October 5, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
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