Anugunj - The Lohar And Agaria Origin Myth

The iron frame and little figures within look like some antique look show piece of a modern Living room, but these metal figures represent some well preserved myths by the people of Chhhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh in India.  Here goes the stories:-

The Agaria Origin Myth

Region - Mandla, Madhya Pradesh, India

When God wished to create living beings, he found the earth submerged under the sea and Keechakmal, the earthworm feeding on it.  With the help of Kakamal (crab), the row and the earthworm itself, he manged to establish the earth on waters.  To ensure its stability, he commanded Agaris, Tamasu, Kansasur to secure it with iron, copper and (erazed text) respectively, thus stabilizing the earth for habitation.

The Lohar Origin Myth

Region - Bastar, Chhattisgarh, India

Sabarsi, the King of Loharipur had twelve sons, of whom Logundi was the eldest.  Angarmati was the only daughter.  All road in Loahripur were made of iron and all citizens subsisted on molten iron.  They were so self sufficient that even during the twelve year long famine, only the people of Loharipur did not seek divine intervention.  This roused the wrath of the sun God who trapped these unsuspecting people into touching water, an act, which robbed them of the gift to digest molten iron.  It was Angarmati, whose Jwalamukhi, later avenged his family by imprisoning Sun and Moon in an iron cage.

 

You may visit 'Anugunj' - a travelling exhibition based on myths and folk beliefs of India has been organised in theNational Museum, Janpath, New Delhi 

from 15 Sep 2011 to 11 Oct 2011. 

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National Museum, New Delhi - Anugunj

'Anugunj' - a travelling exhibition based on myths and folk beliefs of India has been organised in the National Museum, Janpath, New Delhi 

from 15 Sep 2011 to 11 Oct 2011. 

Here is a glimpse of the exhibition and the Museum in general:

The main entrance to National Museum

The path just outside the ticket counter leading to the main halls

The view of the circular corridor created in the middle of the building

Enlarge the pic to read the details about Anugunj

The entrance to the exhibition

A picture exhibited 

Although, visit to the National Museum is absolutely worth it for any inquisitive person, but I was a little disappointed by the exhibition, which occupied only one large hall of the huge museum.  I had expected a bigger and more inclusive affair.  

In India, we know that myths, legends, folk lore, even superstitions are an intrinsic part of the day to day life - whether you are rich or poor, belong to urban or rural India, you can't be untouched by some belief.

Therefore, I had expected a more exhaustive list with a proper categorization - either chronologically, or region/state wise or based on broad subjects.  But, it was a picture exhibition, with just 2 or 3 objects and all other pictures on display, and was not really categorized in any way.

Nevertheless, it was a unique effort.  I hope that in the coming times, we may witness a more elaborate version of the exhibition.

I shall be posting all the pictures and the relevant myth or legend attached with it in the next posts.

Stay there!

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