OAH (2)

Objects As History v Akanksha Jain • Anvaya Namjoshi • Vedant Dani



CONTENTS 1. Ashokan Edict ~ Communication Design 2. Pagris ~ Fashion Communication & Styling 3. Rewa Dagger ~ Product Design 4. Sheshashayi Vishnu ~ Interior Design 5. Handlooms ~ Strategic Design & Management 6. Kanchipuram Sari ~ Fashion Design

Communication Design

Ashokan Edict The Ashokan Edict is a rock/ boulder inscribed with the stories, policies and orders of the king Ashoka. This rock edict was found in Sopara, Maharashtra. The purpose of these edicts was to communicate and spread the word of the king and any other important message to the public. Which is why it was inscribed in the local language Prakrit. Prakrit was written in Brahmi script. King Ashoka used these rock edicts to teach his subjects about about the principles of Buddhism- he advised them to follow policy of nonviolence, respecting people, tolerance towards the religion of others, and living a peaceful and harmonious life. In my opinion, these edicts successfully communicated in two levels. First, they spread the word of the king and the teachings of Buddhism to the people in the kingdom and any traveller. And second, they communicated the way of living (during Ashoka’s rule), story of Ashoka and Kalinga war and the infrastructure under the Ashokan rule to us, over a thousand years later. Most of the knowledge we have about the Mauryas, is derived by deciphering these edicts found in various states of India. These edicts are also the oldest evidence of the existence of Buddhism. The abundance of the rock and pillars edicts, along with the inscription in local language also suggest that a good portion of the people in Ashoka’s kingdom were literate. The edicts though successful in fulfilling their purpose, could’ve have been better if they included pictographs or symbols, since even the illiterate could understand the messages and principles without much external help. -Akanksha Jain

Fashion Communication & Styling

Pagris There are wonders what a piece of cloth could do. Wrap it around your body, it is a skirt, a top or a saree. Wrap it around your head and it becomes a Pagri. Nobody is aware of the fact that the origin of traditional Indian headwear – Turban, is with reference to the era of 4000 years back, i.e. the time of Mesopotamia and Ancient India. Since ancient times, the turban has remained a symbol of pride, power, spirituality, courage, honour, grace, self-respect, responsibility and moral values. The turban history throughout the many parts of the world: South Asia, Central Asia, North Africa and West Africa, is different, and represents various cultural and spiritual views. India is the country of different religious groups like Sikh, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jain, Parsi, Sindhi etc. All living in various zones of the countries like Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, have different stories of turban history and definitions. Since ancient times, turbans or pagris were associated with the Rajas, Maharajas, Sikh Gurus, Peshwas, and Islamic leaders, as a symbol of their honour, kingdom, respect and morality. The cloth used to make pagris is chosen wisely. Cotton is comfortable to wear, it absorbs water and is a breathable fabric. As the warriors and the kings used to go for wars and also during that time, fans and air conditioners weren’t there so materials which were comfortable were ideal. While in wars, the men would obviously sweat a lot, so a material which absorbs water and yet gives comfort was a priority. So as far as the material goes, I have no complains. The only variation which I would’ve made would’ve been to add a band connecting the two ends of the pagri to keep the pagri in place while the warriors would fight. -Anvaya Namjoshi

Product Design

Dagger The bejeweled dagger, a prized possession of nobility, was often worn ceremonially and was a sign of a statue at the durbar. Such daggers were not merely ceremonial, but served as a real weapon for defense and attack in close combat. If you look at the blade, it is made of high quality watered steel. Watered steel is different in origin from pattern-welded steel- in the first, the pattern comes from crystallization phenomena inside the metal- in the latter, it comes from the welding together of different types of steel, thus making the dagger very lethal. The pommel of the hit is studded with rubies, emeralds and diamonds forming a rose and creeper pattern on both sides. On either side of the quillon, there is a multi-petalled rose, studded with rubies and a diamond in the centre. The scabbard is covered with a pink silk brocade and a decorative cape and locket to match the hilt. The tassels at the end are made of a bell-shaped, studded jade piece with a loop of seed pearls. This dagger once belonged to the royal family of Rewa in Madhya Pradesh. You can see such bejeweled daggers tucked in the sash or waistband of royalty in many miniature paintings. -Vedant Dani

Interior Design

Sheshashayi Vishnu The ceiling slab depicting lord Vishnu resting over a snake- the sheshnag, was found in the Huchchappaiya Gudi temple in Karnataka. This sculpture shows Vishnu taking a rest and sleeping over the sheshnag, floating in an ocean, during the four months of monsoon. The key identifying factors of lord Vishnu are his gada, chakra and shankh (mace, discus and conch shell), which can be seen in this sculpture floating around Vishnu. This sculpture is made of Pink Sandstone. It is a sedimentary rock that is comprised of fine grains of sand and minerals. Sandstone is a highly durable material, which is evident from the fact that the Sheshashayi Vishnu slab is still in good condition after over a thousand years. It is considered to be comparatively soft while cutting and carving but, can withstand changes in weather. Sandstone is a very porous rock, which if kept inside, or in shade will stay cool and have an overall cooling effect in the indoor space. Considering that the sculpture was found in the hot and humid climate of South India (Karnataka), it is a good example of design innovation, in my opinion. It has a uniform grainy texture and a natural, earthy appearance that gives it a calming vibe. The mace of Vishnu in the sculpture represents physical strength, the discus represents justice and mental strength and the conch shell represents purity. This composition of the Sculpture adds to the calming and peaceful aura the indoor space would generate. All these elements together already suggest, that as a combination, they would be the most beneficial for meditation or for spirituality or religious purposes. -Akanksha Jain

Strategic Design & Management

Handloom Handloom refers to wooden frames of different types which are used by skilled artisans to weave fabrics usually from natural fibres like Cotton, Silk, Wool, Jute etc. The tools required for this entire process are made from wood, sometimes bamboo and they do not require any electricity.The entire process of fabric production was totally manual in earlier times. Thus this is the most eco-friendly way of producing clothes. The clothes made out of handloom were the haute couture of that time. Also, the handlooms player a huge role in the textile industry back then. It is one of the largest economic activities providing direct employment to over 65 lakhs persons engaged in weaving and allied activities. The design of the saree evolves slowly through the weaving. This is done by the man pulling and pushing a rod like structure. If I had to redesign this handloom, I would find a midway between the handloom and the power loom. The power loom is efficient but on the cost of the workers. As mentioned above, 65 lakhs people are engaged in weaving so leaving them out of jobs and working on the basis of power looms is not at all possible. When the person weaving the cloth is done wearing one side, he manually has to rotate a cylindrical thing to start making the other side. I would attach a motor there to save a significant amount of time. Another thing is that the bobbin and the shuttle could be motorised with a timer. This would be done so that the weaver doesn’t have to keep moving the shuttle and the bobbin by hand. The smaller parts of the handloom could be motorised so that the work is done faster and the weavers earn their income as well. This particular idea eliminates human errors and also saves the weavers’ job. This helping independent corporations to produce clothing in mass amounts without any errors. -Anvaya Namjoshi

Fashion Design

Kanchipuram Sari According to Hindu mythology, Kanchi silk weavers are the descendants of Sage Markanda, the master weaver of Gods who is supposed to have woven tissue from lotus fiber. Also, while cotton is considered to be the favourite fabric of Lord Shiva, silk was preferred by Lord Vishnu. For a sari, it is necessary that fabric should possess certain properties such as luster, drape, fall, and softness with a certain degree. Silk is the most appreciated material for a sari, it is a luxurious fabric. Sari in silk has better aesthetics, brighter appearance, and smooth and crisp feel. Silk is said to have antibacterial properties and hence the elderly advice to wear silk saree during public functions and to temples. It is apparently proved that E. coli does not grow on silk. Silk is suitable for summers also as it is a breathable, mildly absorbent and lightweight material. Its low conductivity keeps warm air close to the skin during cold weather. In India, like a diamond, a silk sari has value forever. A Sari has sentiment values and they are passed down from generation to the next generation as an inheritance. Imagine the exultant moments of handing over a silk sari to your loved ones. -Vedant Dani

References ● https://www.cs.colostate.edu/~malaiya/ashoka.html ● https://prinseps.com/research/indian-sculpture-tradition-form-composition/ ● https://www.csmvs.in/collection/galleries/arms-and-armour ● https://www.craftsvilla.com/blog/kanchipuram-silk-sarees-history-weaving-f acts/ ● https://www.icharts.net/9-important-facts-about-kanchipuram-pattu-sarees- you-didnt-know/

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