Chola Maati

TRIBAL

HERITAGE

OF INDIA

chola maati PARDHAN GOND RITUALS FROM BIRTH TO DEATH

P ADMAJ A S RI V AS TA VA

MAY AN K S I N GH S HY A M

KOMA L BEDI S O HA L

SOMAIYA VIDYAVIHAR UNIVERSITY in association with MAPIN PUBLISHING

TRIBAL HERITAGE OF INDIA

chola maati

PARDHAN GOND RITUALS FROM BIRTH TO DEATH TEXT BY PADMAJA SRIVASTAVA ART BY MAYANK SINGH SHYAM PHOTOGRAPHS BY KOMAL BEDI SOHAL

in association with

before you turn the page This book invites you on a journey through the life cycle of the Pardhan community, tracing their rituals and beliefs from birth to death. Each moment is brought to life through the paintings of Mayank Singh Shyam, the photography of Komal Bedi Sohal, and the insightful narrative written by Padmaja Srivastava.

To deepen your experience, we’ve included traditional songs—oral legacies passed down through generations. These are accessible through QR codes embedded throughout the book. Simply scan and listen as you read, allowing the music to infuse each chapter with its cultural and emotional resonance.

THIS IS NOT JUST A BOOK TO BE READ. IT'S A JOURNEY TO LISTEN TO, TO SEE AND TO FEEL—WITH YOUR EYES, EARS AND HEART.

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contents 14–17

foreword 18–19

preface 24–35

introduction 36–49

badadev–the divine emergence 50–57

dharti ki utpatti–genesis of the earth 58–65

the pardhan gond–musical storytellers 66–85

janam–sacred beginnings 86–101

badhat–adolescence 102–129

shaadi–the symphony of marriage 130–139

khushali–domestic prosperity 140–157

tyohar–celebrations & festivals 158–167

mrutyu–death 168–183

tor surta ma–homage to the departed 184–185

afterword 190–191

glossary of words 5

चोला माटी CHOLA MAATI SCAN TO HEAR THE SONG

हाय रे माटी के चोला | हाय रे माटी के चोला | तोला खोजे नही​ीं िमले पानी रे | माटी के चोला माटी के चोला | लख चाैरासी योनि भुगत के | मनुष्य तन ला पाए भैया | This song contemplates the ephemeral nature of human existence. Though we seek permanence, our bodies, made of earth and water, are destined to dissolve back into these elements. The lyrics remind us that we are not separate from nature but part of its endless cycle of transformation.

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acknowledgements This book would not have been possible without the generous support and hospitality of the people of Patangarh. We are deeply indebted to the villagers for opening their hearts and homes to us, sharing not only their stories and traditions but also their warmth. They welcomed us with unwavering kindness and trust, allowing us to become a part of their lives, even if only for a short while.

We would like to thank all the families who permitted us to document their lives through photographs, preserving these precious moments for posterity. Their openness brought authenticity and depth to our work, enabling us to convey the beauty and essence of their community.

A special mention goes to Bala Mama, Bharat Bhaiya, Phagni Bai and Jagdish Yadav. Bala Mama's profound knowledge of rituals and traditions and Bharat Bhaiya's enthusiasm as a guide, were instrumental in shaping this book. Their dedication and passion for preserving the cultural heritage of the Pardhan Gonds have been a constant source of inspiration.

We are especially indebted to Monsieur Christian Journet and Association Duppata, whose steadfast support has been fundamental to this project.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Shri Ajay Gupta, Chief Managing Director of M/s Macawber Beekay Pvt. Ltd., for generously funding our research through their CSR initiative. We also thank The Raza Foundation, New Delhi, for their thoughtful contribution to this work. Our sincere thanks to Yann Clinchard for his dedicated translation of this book into French. We express our heartfelt appreciation to our editors, Shailaja Srinivasan, Sonali Singh and Siddhant Srivastava. We would also like to thank Jorge DelgadoUreña, Christelle Enquist from The Raw Society, and Robert Shaw for their guidance. And to everyone who contributed to this journey, whether through sharing mahua (local brew), telling stories, or singing songs. Every individual played a part in bringing together the vibrant landscape of the Pardhan Gond life.

WITH HEARTFELT GRATITUDE TO SOMAIYA VIDYAVIHAR UNIVERSITY, WHOSE CONTRIBUTION WAS INSTRUMENTAL TO THE MAKING OF THIS BOOK.

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dedication

jangarh singh shyam

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foreword paul abraham bard of small things WHO KEEPS THE STORIES OF A TRIBE, KEEPS ITS SOUL The Pardhan Gonds are the archivists of their

harvests, festivals—by painting on the mud walls of their

community. It is their sacred charge to preserve the songs,

homes, only to wipe it all away for the next big event. No

origin myths and ancestral memories of the ancient Gond

matter how brilliant the colours or the hand that wields

tribe in central India. For generations, they have carried

it, neither leaves a permanent mark. There's a quiet

forward the oral traditions that bind their people to the

acknowledgment here that the beauty of life lies precisely

land and to each other. It was a travelling bard from a

in its transience.

village here who first introduced the world to the electric

What you will discover in these pages is a three-part

world of Gond art. Decades later, his son returns through

meditation on this worldview, brought to life through a

his art to where it began. Back to the land and its soil.

collaboration between author, artist and photographer.

Where Jangarh brilliantly gave expression to the

Through Padmaja's words, you will encounter the legends

deities and mythology of the Pardhan Gonds on canvas,

that are invoked even today to welcome babies into the

Mayank approaches the same subjects with the enquiring

tribe, and guide them through life's milestones. Weaving

spirit of a poet-philosopher. His art is filled with affection

together anthropology, history and reportage, her narrative

for his people, the Gonds, so evident in the pages of this

creates a layered portrait of the Gond community in

book. With great tenderness, he chronicles the ebbs

Patangarh. Using pigments sourced at the site, Mayank's

and flows of daily life in Patangarh. In the colours of the

paintings translate the essence of Gond philosophy

soil, he paints the little creatures who live so close to it.

into visual poems deeply rooted in this terrain. Komal’s

Earthworms and crabs, snails and chickens.

stirring images remind us that for millions of Indians,

The Gond perspective on life, reflected in the tribe's

these aren't abstract concepts, but simply a way of life.

legends, is shaped by the abundances of the Narmada

Her photographs light up the web of connections—natural,

valley. The heroes of its epics are often not mystical,

spiritual, communal—within which Gond people define

otherworldly beings, but the commonplace wonders of

their place in the world.

its terrain, like the saja tree, the mahua flower, clay from

Like all memorable stories, this one too is punctuated

the river’s basin. By enshrining their gratitude for nature's

with song. The thoughtfully curated playlist adds a warm,

munificence in songs and fables, the Gonds live the words

textured dimension to the experience of Chola Maati.

of poet Alice Walker: "This could be our revolution: to love what is plentiful as much as what is scarce."

Ultimately, this is a book that invites you to consider what it would mean to wear our Maati ka Chola, our

And to honour that most precious of our scarcities–our

earthen cloak, lightly. To hold everything we treasure in

time here on earth—the Gond people turn once again to the

open palms, knowing they’re ours only for a moment. But

soil. They speak of the mortal body as 'Maati ka Chola', a

to preserve them as best we can, for the little hands that

robe of clay that we must all surrender at the end of our

await them. And when it’s our time, to return our robe of

journey. Walking through the village Patangarh, we see

clay back to the earth, serene in the knowledge that we lay

that this is not merely a metaphor but an embodied truth.

the ground for something beautiful to bloom once again.

People mark the big occasions of life–birth, marriage,

PAUL ABRAHAM ART PATRON, COLLECTOR, HISTORY BUFF AND FOUNDER OF SARMAYA ARTS FOUNDATION

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the photographer’s gaze vineet vohra SHOOT FROM YOUR HEART AND SHAPE IT BY PERSPECTIVE, INTUITION AND EMOTION In this surreal book, you’ll find Komal’s voice, not only transforming her lens into a powerful tool of expression, but also expressing a part of her journey being an artist.

As her mentor, I’ve watched her grow from a curious student into an intellectual storyteller.

Her work simply moves beyond technique, speaking with honesty and heart. Each page reveals something personal yet universally a reflection of identity, curiosity and creativity.

This is more than just images put together, it is the first ray of a journey unfolding, and I am honoured to walk beside it, even for a moment, in its quiet rising.

It’s the beginning of a transformative journey, and I’m delighted to share it with you.

VINEET VOHRA PHOTOGRAPHER, LEICA M AMBASSADOR AND LOBA NOMINATOR

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badadev

the divine emergence

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↑ Lotus leaves symbolize the eternal womb, while swimming fish represent the amniotic fluid.

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↑ The ocean takes the form of a fish. The lotus leaves (kurai paan) are depicted as hands cradling a water droplet which is shaped as a fish. This fish symbolizes a pregnant mother bringing new life into the world, embodying the spirit of Badadev.

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The Pardhan Gond community regards water as the essence of life.

Even the birth of a foetus occurs within this sacred element. Badadev, their supreme deity, exemplifies this. His birth, a graceful emergence from a single drop of pure water onto a lotus leaf known as kurai paan, symbolizes the community’s deep veneration for water.

He is depicted with five heads, four arms and a turban adorning his head, wielding a spear in his right hand.

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dharti ki utpatti genesis of the earth

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↑ A depiction of Badadev's creation. A story through three elemental beings: the crow; Kakramal Chattri, the crab—bridging water and land; and Kichakmal, the earthworm—guarding soil. Their portrayal symbolizes the divine collaboration that birthed the Pardhan Gond world.

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shaadi

the symphony of marriage

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↑ Rough rice grains portrayed as a pair of fish, male and female, in water.

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mrutyu death

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→ Before the vulture can guide souls to the afterlife, it must first consume both flesh and water. In this depiction, the vulture feeds on a deer's carcass, while fish symbolize the sacred water it must drink.

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author: padmaja srivastava Padmaja's journey in the world of art and culture

then, she has spent considerable time in their villages. Her

began in Pune, India, where she completed her Bachelor of

fascination with the rich traditions and practices of the

Architecture at Pune University. After relocating to Bhopal

Gond community has inspired her to explore their cultural

in 1995, she established her architectural practice alongside

heritage, from birth to death. Through careful study and

her husband. Together, they embarked on designing

storytelling, Padmaja aims to preserve and share the

wilderness lodges in proximity to prominent tiger reserves

vibrant way of life of the Pardhan Gond.

in Madhya Pradesh. It was during this creative process that

Acting as a vital link, she has been the bridge for

Padmaja encountered numerous folk artists and artisans,

projects between the artists and prestigious organizations

which ignited her passion for championing their cause

like Samsung, Hyundai and Pernod Ricard. She is also an

and becoming a dedicated advocate for the tribes of India,

active member of a French NGO, Association Duppata, that

particularly the Pardhan Gonds of central India. Since

promotes Indian tribal art in France.

painter: mayank singh shyam Mayank is the son of the celebrated artist Jangarh

symbolize water, the ocean and rivers. Trees serve as an

Singh Shyam. Jangarh has been his mentor and guide,

analogy for Mother Earth, representing strength, grounding,

instilling in him a deep understanding of the essence of art.

and the interconnectedness of all living things. Similarly,

He has inherited from his father the belief that authentic art

birds depict the sky, evoking freedom and the boundless

is the embodiment of one’s innermost feelings, thoughts

expanse of the heavens.

and imaginings. From the outset, black and white tones

Through these rich representations, Mayank’s art

have held a special allure for Mayank Singh Shyam. He

reflects not only his deep connection to nature but also his

finds great satisfaction in blending the inherent vibrancy

respect and appreciation for his tribal heritage, infusing

of colours into shades of black.

each painting with layers of meaning and significance.

Mayank’s work is rich with symbolism, where elements of nature hold profound significance. In his art, fish often

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photographer & book designer: komal bedi sohal Komal Bedi Sohal is an internationally-acclaimed

realism and shaped by an artist’s sensitivity: it invites

creative director, designer, and photographer whose work

viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with the human

bridges storytelling and visual artistry. With over three

experience.

decades of experience in advertising, including winning

Komal’s photography has earned recognition on both

multiple Cannes Lions and serving on the Cannes Lions

national and international platforms. In 2024, she was

Jury, she brings a sharp eye for narrative, detail, and

selected for the prestigious La Vie Un Bleu International

composition to her photographic practice.

Photography Residency in Nice, France. Her photographs

Now based in Gurgaon, India, Komal focuses on

have been exhibited in solo, and group shows across New

capturing candid, emotionally resonant moments from

York, Paris, London, Nice, Venice, Victoria, and across key

everyday life. Her photography is rooted in documentary

cities in India.

A NOTE OF THANKS To the people of Patangarh Thank you for opening your homes and hearts to me.

This work would not have been possible without your warmth, generosity and trust. You welcomed me not just as a photographer, but as a friend, allowing me to witness your lives, your stories, your celebrations and silences.

To those who guided me through unfamiliar paths, translated unspoken truths, and patiently shared your knowledge, I am deeply grateful.

Your spirit, resilience, and beauty live in every image.

This book is not just about you; it is because of you.

With respect and gratitude, Komal Bedi Sohal

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First published in India in 2025 by Mapin Publishing 706 Kaivanna, Panchvati, Ellisbridge Ahmedabad 380006 INDIA T: +91 79 40 228 228 | E: mapin@mapinpub.com www.mapinpub.com in association with Somaiya Vidyavihar University Vidyanagar, Vidya Vihar East, Vidyavihar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400077 www.somaiya.edu/en/ Text © Padmaja Srivastava Photographs © Komal Bedi Sohal Paintings © Mayank Singh Shyam All rights reserved under international copyright conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any other information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher.

The moral rights of Padmaja Srivastava as the author and Mayank Singh Shyam, Komal Bedi Sohal as contributors are asserted.

ISBN (English): 978-93-94501-53-9 ISBN (French): 978-93-94501-58-4 Design: Komal Bedi Sohal Proofreading: Ashwati Franklin / Mapin Editorial Editorial support: Neha Manke / Mapin Editorial Production: Gopal Limbad / Mapin Design Studio Printed in India

ART tribal heritage of india

Chola Maati

Pardhan Gond Rituals from Birth to Death Padmaja Srivastava, Mayank Singh Shyam and Komal Bedi Sohal 192 pages, 135 photographs and 33 illustrations 9 x 13” (228.6 x 330 mm), HC-PLC ISBN: 978-93-94501-53-9 (English) ₹3950 | $70 | £50 ISBN: 978-93-94501-58-4 (French) 2025 • World rights

THE SOUL OF A PEOPLE SINGS THROUGH BRUSH, LENS, WORD AND SONG.

₹3950 | $70 | £50 ISBN 978-93-94501-53-9

www.mapinpub.com