Navgunjan Creature: Rajasthan's Ancient Lac Art Brings Mahabharata Legend to Life

• Jaipur artists are preserving centuries-old art forms, with Jawahar Kala Kendra being a key hub for exhibitions.
• A unique Navgunjan creature, made from 300-year-old lac art, has been created by artist Durgesh Atal.
• The Navgunjan creature, a blend of 9 animal parts, is linked to a Mahabharata tale where Arjuna encountered it before it transformed into Lord Krishna.
• The creature features a rooster's head, elephant, deer, tiger, and human legs, a bull's hump, peacock's neck, lion's waist, and a snake's tail, with a human holding a lotus.
• Lac art, formally established in Rajasthan in the 18th century under Maharaja Ram Singh and patronized by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, faces modern challenges but is kept alive by local artisans.

Why It Matters: Rajasthan's ancient lac art is revitalizing the mythological Navgunjan creature, showcasing rich cultural heritage.