My Guru - Ramachandra Reddy,

Mappeti Ramachandra Reddy, also known as Ramachandriah, was not just the most skilful artist of Kalamkari that I have come across, but also served as a preceptor for me in art. He gave me sound training and confidence to ground myself in the art field, and helped me explore a unique self-expression by exploring the symbiosis of eastern and western art ideologies.

A recent photo

A young man from Telangana by the name of Prabhakara Sastry (an art student and budding writer) introduced me to him first, possibly in the year 1996 at Kalakshetra, Chennai where Mr. Ramachandriah was working. I remember Prabhakara Sastri telling Mr. Ramachandriah (Mr “R”, hereafter) that I am an enterprising person and my association with him would be beneficial for him in many ways. But the reverse of what the young lad from Telangana has said has taken place. It is I who have immensely benefited, and not my "future" guru."

Me with Guru, 1996(?)

 

A few months prior to meeting "R" at Kalakshetra, I was as a student of fine art at the same institution. However, I became disengaged from the school and felt disheartened as I found it unstimulating and lacking in thought-provoking interactions with both the student body and the faculty. My relationship with Mr. “R “endured for almost thirty years until his passing a few years ago. Mr. “R” not only taught me the intricacies of Indian art, but he has also been a 'bridge' man between rural Andhra and me, a city bred art student. He has discussed with me not just the technique of art, but also the cultural and anthropological aspects related to local myths, folklore, and many other varied things which I lacked knowledge of due to my urban upbringing.

Receiving award from Hon. Minister

at art emporium

Mr. ‘R’ studied only up to middle school at Srikalahasti, where his father managed a small petty shop in the village. Not long ago, a government-run Kalamkari training cum production center was commenced at Srikalahasti by the initiative of late Mrs. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyaya and a modernist artist, Late Mr.Kora Ramamurti, who evinced great interest in the revival of fading arts of Andhra Desa. Young Ramachandriah joined this institute as a trainee and later started working in the production center. Kalamkari became a highly sought-after craft by urban men and women due to its use of natural pigments. Hundreds of workers started appearing in the town of Srikalahasti. This town is now the hub of Kalamkari crafts; however, the ancient methods have been given up.

 

In spite of the booming trade of Kalamkari, and being an exceptionally talented artist, Mr "R" wasn’t earning adequately. He remained poor and oppressed. He was considered the “king” of Kalamkari but remained the poorest among his colleagues and was accorded the lowest respect. Urban men and women bought his stuff with joy, but they habitually refused to pay him adequately.

He was an epitome of kindness, modesty, and was always willing to teach others his expertise, yet hardly anyone utilized his talent. His sense of humour is unparalleled and often entertains others by stomach bursting laughter through his innocent quips. Inspired by religious doctrines, he gave up his non-vegetarian diet since his teenage years. He was a teetotaller and did not chew or smoke. He always spoke the truth.

He suffered several long-time health setbacks such as hypertension and diabetes because of which his production was abysmally low. Also because of these reasons, his customers and very erudite employers abused him as he could not meet their deadlines or targets. During the latter part of his life, I had the privilege of acting as a commission–free liaison agent for him.

He had strained relationships with spouses.

His ‘Buddha Charitra’ panel (a narrative picture of Buddha's life) is among the most coveted possessions of the British queen. I don’t want to be more verbose, and it is literally beyond my capacity to comment on his artistic merits; hence, I wish to conclude this brief write-up. This naïve and innocent craftsman died a few years ago, leaving a huge void in the art field and an irreparable loss for our countrymen and also for people like me who are his true and genuine admirers.

Thank you for reading.

KSV