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Draft:Dinesh Chandra Kumhar

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Dinesh Chandra Kumhar is a Senior Terracotta Artist from Molela, Rajasthan, India. He is the son of Padma Shri Mohanlal Chaturbhuj Kumhar, a renowned figure in Molela Terracotta Art. Dinesh began working with his father at the young age of eight and now leads a team of youth craftsmen in his hometown.[1][2]

Dinesh Chandra Kumhar
Born (1969-10-23) October 23, 1969 (age 54)
Molela, Rajsamand, Rajasthan
CitizenshipIndia
OccupationTerracotta Artist
FatherMohanlal Chaturbhuj Kumhar

Artistic Style and Contributions

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Dinesh is an innovator of forms in terracotta art. He experiments with new ideas, stories in religious plaques, and large detailed panels depicting views of traditional village scenes of Rajasthan. His work often portrays wedding scenes, field work, daily chores, and rural life in narrative form. He also draws on themes like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Apart from being an artist, he is equally interested in disseminating the skills of Molela Terracotta Art amongst the younger generation. He has conducted many seminars, workshops, and summer training programs, where more than 20,000+ students have participated.[3]

Recognition and Awards

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Dinesh's brilliant talent and dedication have won him many prestigious awards and recognitions, which include:

  • International Crafts Awards (2019)
  • National Merit Award (2019)
  • International Folk Art Alliance, USA (2017)
  • Jaipur Art Festival (2014)

Exhibitions and Workshops

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His works have been a part of several exhibitions and workshops in India and abroad. Few of these major venues were:

  • Frankfurt Mese Ambiente - Germany
  • Quai Branly Museum - France
  • Railway stations in Udaipur and Ajmer
  • Rav Dudagradh Museum (Raj. Govt. Museum), Merta city, Rajasthan

Molela Terracotta Art

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Molela is a village near Nathdwara in Rajasthan, which has been an ancient center of traditional terracotta icons and plaques. There is a certain unique allure attached to this tradition in craft that has evolved through centuries of evolution, thanks to its individuality, and has remained in great demand among tribals even from far-flung areas.[4]

The terracotta art of Molela is steeped in myth and divinity. The Kumhar potters of this village believe that their craft is a divine gift. Since God has given them this skill, the outcome, too, must be godly. The clay used is locally sourced, mostly from fields and empty ponds. The entire process is manually done, thus making every piece unique.[5]

Legacy and Innovation

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Dinesh Chandra Kumhar has been carrying on the legacy of Molela Terracotta Art through bouts of creativity and newer thoughts. His work does not just preserve traditional art, but it also gives it a thrust into newer audiences and applications.

References

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  1. ^ "Molela Plaques". Serendipity Arts. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
  2. ^ neeru (2015-07-23). "Place". www.dsource.in. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
  3. ^ Rooftop (2021-02-04). "Molela Terracotta Workshop With Dinesh Chandra Kumhar". Rooftop - Where India Inspires Creativity. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
  4. ^ "About Molela Clay Work Art". Molela Terracotta. 2020-09-27. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
  5. ^ Teller, Story (2020-07-17). "MOLELA TERRACOTTA - Clay Craft Of Incredible India [2024]". Retrieved 2024-07-26.