Reviving Indigenous Art: Kanha Museum Of Life & Art

Singinawa Jungle Lodge

Curated in the jungle, the Kanha Museum of Life and Art showcases indigenous art of Gond and Baiga tradition in the lush lap of the land that draws inspiration from the forests and wildlife around. This true depiction of the local art and life is one of the privately maintained museums of Kanha, a must-visit for travellers to the Kanha National Park.

It is an expression of the extraordinary journey of philanthropist Tulika Kedia who over the decades has nurtured her inner calling by supporting wildlife conservation, indigenous art and culture, and holistic education. The museum is located within the premises of the Singinawa Jungle Lodge near the Mukki gate of the National Park.

Reflecting the undulating curves of the forest, the museum is designed to exhibit a dynamic placement of the artifacts that lets its viewer undergo a visual escapade from the realms of soporific and predictable patterns. It is indeed a figurative allegiance to the free spirit of nature; the museum also hosts art installations in the open with a focus on the ethos of Kanha.

In an in an email interview, Tulika talks about her enthusiasm for wildlife conservation and tourism and how it catalysed the take over of Singinawa Jungle Lodge.

Q1: How was the idea of creating the Kanha Museum Of Life & Art born?

They say, ‘Good ideas start with brainstorming, and great ideas begin with coffee’!The Kanha Museum of Life and Art was forged over a stimulating cup of coffee, and an invigorating conversation with the noted art historian, Dr.Alka Pande.I have been invested in indigenous art ever since my marriage. My first art gallery Unique Creation and Arts, New Delhi, is the crystallization of this love for art. My enthusiasm for wildlife conservation and tourism catalysed the take over of Singinawa Jungle Lodge . This brought me closer to the people of this region and entwined me in their life and art. I guess one thing led to another…

Q2: What impact is it making on the ground for the local community?

The Kanha Museum of Art and Life, Unique Creation and Arts Gallery or any another art platform, for that matter, serves as an interface for the audience and the artisan. A novice may visit it in oblivion but will definitely leave in awe. Visitors give art and the artist recognition, respect, renown, and renumeration. When I speak of visitors, we have national and international footfall, so you can imagine what impact it has on the perception of India, worldwide. The minute you engage with art, you develop pride, respect, and empathy for the artist. We have several Samaritans (Indian and foreign), who go beyond patronising artwork. They affiliate with development schemes that focus on welfare, health, education, and amenities for the tribal people. Such stories often begin with an innocuous visit to an art gallery. I would like to add here, the artist, like any other creator, gets immense gratification seeing their, or the work of their brethren, being displayed or sought after. It brings a tremendous sense of empowerment.

Q3: Do you think that post covid, companies and travellers are concentrating more on creating a sustainable culture?

Sustainable culture, as a trend, may have resurrected in the challenging confines of COVID. However, it is not new to our culture. Sustainability- reduce, reuse, recycle- is an integral part of our Indian ethos. At Singinawa, we have carried on an age old tradition.

Q4: How often do you run art exhibitions at your museum? How can we be more involved with aboriginal Gonds tribes and reduce our environmental impact?

The Kanha Museum of Life and Art has fixed installations like a cabinet of curiosities, and permanently displayed artworks curated by Dr.Alka Pande. Gonds are one of the largest tribal groups in the world. And they have a rich oral and artisanal tradition. The Gonds worship nature and revere it. I think, if the so called ‘developed’ population were to imbibe this from our indigenous tribes we can save the planet and hope for a bright future.

Q5: What are the new art programs or other sustainability initiatives you are pursuing currently at Singinawa?

Sustainable and pro-environment initiatives cannot and should not be sporadic, photo-op moments. They should be woven in your moral and behavioural fabric. Singinawa has been founded on, and has always espoused sustainability through minimum wastage and a minimal carbon footprint philosophy. Currently, with monsoons on the threshold, our thrust in terms of a pro-environment endeavour, is on a yearly tree plantation drive. There is an old Greek proverb “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in”. At Singinawa, we are doing just that… literally and metaphorically.

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