Art & Science - Not different (Udaipur)

As I travel around in this life, people ask - what is the difference between art & science? Which one should I go for?

For most people they seem to be different paths.

For me like most things in this world, this is just another facet of all prevailing duality. Two sides of the same coin.

The real question is not how they are different. But how their difference can be united to achieve stellar results.

Let's break it down with an example. A pencil and a paper.
The knowledge of how to make a mark with a pencil on paper is science.
The knowledge of how to make that mark beautiful is art.

Now if you are asked to make a mark and then later make that beautiful without help of both paths.
You might now ask, why should I be bothered with such trivial information. My answer will be to shift our perspective to a more important question.

We should be asking what difference can we make with art & science, not what is the difference between them.
As earlier this thought came through a meeting during my visit to Udaipur, Rajasthan. I met Mr. Kailash Jinger, who is an artist known for his work on mewar style of painting. He is the chief artist working in Udaipur City Palace and has done a lot of commissioned work on many buildings in and around Udaipur. In his free time he teaches mewar art to mortal beings.
As an artist he could also have been intrigued by the question of difference between art & science. Instead he chose to ask what difference can he make. And the answer he found, started with his own house. He initially started painting his house with the idea of making it a showcase for mewar art. And what a splendid work he has done. Every corner of his house is a testimony of what he is and what mewar art means to him. He has already spent a lot of money and his time (around 6/7 years) into it.

On his roof top, watching the city from above. He said - "You know I did all this, but something was missing. Majorly because whenever I use to come home, everything was beautiful, except the street leading to it It  was littered with garbage, spit and pee. I decided why not extend the art on street and see if people respond positively!". So he took up the challenge and spent time beautifying the street. It took him around 2 years with his own money and the job was completed. People stopped throwing garbage, spiting or peeing on beautiful piece of art. It slowly gained momentum and now the street is part of heritage walk in Udaipur, with government also putting it's clout behind.

So what was I left with? Obviously I secured a promise to live with him next time I go to Udaipur. That will help me more detailed documentation of his thoughts and work. But I decided till that time, at least I can spread his message to whoever wants to listen.

The real question is not what the differences are, but what can be achieved by unification of those differences.
What will you be doing or have done, let's pour it out in the comments section.

Jaipur- The princely city

When people talk about Jaipur, you visualise magnificent forts, people with colourful dress and lots of handicraft. Same was with me before I actually visited this city. While writing this entry I have to this city three times! I read somewhere that this is the first planned city of India. However as you enter the city, you will find out that there are no traffic rules here. Apart from that there is nothing you will not like about this city.

Jaigarh Fort

Modern city of Jaipur is divided into two parts-new and old. Old city consists of three forts and few temples around Amer. New part is bustling modern day city dotted with many monuments and palaces.

Amer city as seen from Jaigarh Fort

How are people here? Very friendly and always ready to provide you with the best experience you can have from this city. I will share two instances which might shed some light on the argument, however not everyone is good as not everyone is bad. One thing I learned from travelling is irrespective of how many sites/blogs or guidebooks you have read, it is more helpful if you just ask people, local people, and sometimes it will be mind boggling by the suggestions you get on road.

So first instance which happened on our first trip to Jaipur. This time we  we didn’t even read any blog or guidebook, so our only option was to ask, and who better that the bus conductor. We told him that we are first timers in the city, so if he could help us out. And what a help we got, which in turn decided our itinerary. He helped us to travel, lodge and eat is best possible and cheapest way.

Second instance would be our auto driver who was given the responsibility of being our guide and touring the city. In between monument hopping I asked him that my mother wants do some shopping and my previous experiences of handicraft showroom not very pleasant, I asked him he could help out. After tour he took us to a wholesale market where same stuff was available for a far lower price. This guy must have got some commission, but he saved me a lot of money too.

So what are places to see –

·         Amer Fort – Hindu architecture fort.

·         Jaigarh Fort – A fort of magnitude, on display is largest wheel canon of the world ad a good museum of old weapons.

·         NAhargarh Fort – It’s now famous for alcoholic youths partying all night.

·         Jal Mahal – A small palace built on a lake, last visit I saw boat ride construction project  going on.

·         Hawa Mahal – Once you are here, you will come to know why the name.

·         Jantar Mantar – Display of ancient wisdom on astrology and planets and related science. It’s far better place if you can understand the logic.

·         City Palace – House of current king, partly museum and partly residence. Entry fees are high compared to things on display. One time visit still recommended.

·         Albert Hall Museum – Will require at least three hours for this. Awesome collection and display on diverse subjects.

There are many more if you have time. So what should be your reason to visit?

If you are still asking then I am a bad narrator.