This small Vaishnav traditional chariot of
the 17th century represents excel- lent wood carving. The artist has
painted it with lacquer, as was in vogue in those days. On all its
sides, a number of bells which make pleasant rhythmic sounds, when the
chariot moves, are attached. Its dome is decorated with flowering-
creeper, on which the influence of Mughal style is clearly seen. Below
this dome, gold-threaded pompons are suspended. The charioteer is seen
smartly driving the horses which appear as galloping gracefully. This
model appears quite lively because of the proportionate modelling of the
anatomy of both the horses.
The axis of the front wheels of the chariot and the wheel at the
centre of the seat of the driver, have such mechanical arrangements that
facilitate free movement of the chariot, even in a limited space. This
arrangement is an example of the mechanical expertise of an unknown
woodcarver of the 17th century. Here, the difference between a 'mapho',
the country-cart having a canopy and a 'rath', the chariot is seen
clearly.
In 'pushtimarg' (a cult of Krishna-worship), on the second day of
Ashadh Shukia, in Vaishnav Haveli temples, 'Thakorji' is placed in
adoration in a chariot. Even now, chariots that are excellent examples
of woodcarving, adorn Vaishnav temples and Vaishnav houses.
Art is a creative effort of which the well-springs lie in the
spirit, and which brings us at once the most intimate self of artist and
the secret concurrences which he has perceived in things by means of a
vision or intuition all his own, and not to be expressed in ideas and in
words - expressible only in the work of art. - Jacques Maritain
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