Art
A History of Cats in Indian Art
In Sanskrit, the term marjara-nyaya refers to a method of devotion in which a devotee completely surrenders to the deity, much like a kitten surrenders to the mother’s protective grasp (marjara is the Sanskrit word for cat). In contrast, marjara-vrata stands for “cat’s vow” — an opprobrium attributed to the cat’s deceitful ways. These dual perceptions of the feline can be traced back to many cultures’ ancient oral and written folklore. A few of these tales, predominantly from the Indian subcontinent, form the source of The Indian Cat: Stories, Paintings, Poetry, and Proverbs — the last book by art historian B.N. Goswamy, who passed away on November 17.
As the title suggests, Goswamy sketches a portrait of the Indian cat through four sections, beginning with an eclectic compendium of Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim fables. The paradoxical nature of felines — now virtuous, now treacherous — comes across in these stories, which lean toward the latter. In Islam, however, the cat has been a figure of reverence, owing to the Prophet Muhammad’s love for them. The animal’s simultaneous elevation to a symbol of worship and relegation to a lowly being is peculiar to Hinduism, which doesn’t surprise Goswamy, who refers to the ambivalence inherent in the religion’s philosophy.
Reproduced in the book are 58 Indian paintings from several museums around the world, illustrating our affection for cats — from royalty to courtesans to mystics, the cat’s company has been enjoyed across classes. Interestingly, a few Mughal representations of Biblical themes feature cats, yet they’re absent in most European works. Goswamy observes this as a possible attempt by the Indian painters to make the settings more naturalistic.
Drawing on poetry in multiple languages spoken in India, including Urdu, Hindi, Bengali, and English, Goswamy shows that the cat appears mostly in a positive light, as poets like Mir Taqi Mir and Mirza Ghalib wax lyrical about their pets.
The author saves his signature quirkiness for the final section. As with his book on the 18th-century painter Nainsukh, in which he imaginatively voiced the painter’s thoughts, he lends the cat a voice to express her thoughts on the proverbs and loose talk surrounding her ilk. While she refutes allegations of pretension and hypocrisy, she admits to devouring food and milk if kept unguarded in her vicinity.
With The Indian Cat, Goswamy joins scholars like Annemarie Schimmel who have fondly documented felines. All in all, the author endearingly presents the cat like Vikram Seth did in his poem “The Cat and the Cock” — as clever, practical, and ultimately good.
The Indian Cat: Stories, Paintings, Poetry, and Proverbs by B.N. Goswamy (2023) is published by Aleph Books and is available online and in bookstores.
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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