Session brings out various aspects of Indian beauty

A wonderful Saturday evening in Jaipur had book lovers come together fora discussion on Shringara: The Many Faces of Indian Beauty with

Dr Alka Pande

, in conversation with

Malashri Lal

as apart of

Shyamoli series

on Culture.

Dr Alka Pande (right), in conversation with Malashri Lal

The session was introduced by Mita Kapur. Alka Pande is a curator,critic, cultural theorist, teacher and writer on art, and says that in everyday art is her second life. While talking about her book she said that Indian art is a spiritual journey, at times erotic and very expressive.

She stressed on spirituality being an inherent part of Indian culture,expressed best with art, music and dance - all different ways to attain enlightenment and unison with God. Alka Pande said, “Where the hand goes, eyes should follow, where the eyes go, the mind should follow, where the mind goes,emotions are generated, and sentiment arises.”

She explained how Shringara has historically been done by both men and women. The Krishna Leela is all about dressing each other. But somewhere down the line, a division happened, and it became about women only. Alka said that art earlier was all about patronage, but now to make living in the modern times, artists have moved on to more business-oriented models. She added that it was up-to each and every one of us to safeguard art in our country, and to take it forward. The evocative session ended with Sudhir Mathur presenting mementos to Alka Pande, Malashri Lal and Mita Kapur.