At DakshinaChitra, ‘Myth, Memory and Form’ traces the Pardhaan Gonds’ sacred stories
An exhibition at the DakshinaChitra Museum titled 'Myth, Memory and Form' showcases the oral traditions and sacred stories of the Pardhaan Gond tribe. The project features a 7.5-metre illustrated book and paintings that document the community's history and deities.
Why it matters
Highlights efforts to preserve indigenous cultural heritage and oral histories through contemporary art and research.
Stretched accordion style across a corner of Varija Art Gallery in DakshinaChitra Museum is a 7.5-metre book titled The Pardhaan Continuum . This monumental illustrated story charts the rich history of the Pardhaan Gonds, a sub-community of the Gond tribes. It captures the myth of their sacred origin, traditional rituals and deities, anchoring itself around the stories of Bada Dev, their supreme creator.
The Gonds, one of the oldest indigenous Dravidian groups in India, are spread across Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Odisha. Historically, the Pardhaans have served as the community’s priests, hereditary bards, and genealogists. And the book, part of Myth, Memory and Form , provides vital context for much of the textless Gond art found in urban areas today.
Art from Myth, Memory and Form | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
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