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'ABHIKSHNA' REALITY & ILLUSION: A COMPARATIVE CULTURAL STUDY OF

BIHAR & UTTAR PRADESH

Article · October 2015

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Journal of Higher Education and Research Society: A Refereed International
ISSN 2349-0209 Volume-3/Issue-2 OCTOBER 2015

‘ABHIKSHNA’ REALITY & ILLUSION: A COMPARATIVE

CULTURAL STUDY OF BIHAR & UTTAR PRADESH

MOHAMMAD SHAHID, UDAYA KUMAR MRIGANKA

RESEARCH SCHOLAR DHARMALINGAM, MADHUKAILYA,

DEPARTMENT OF DESIGN, INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

GUWAHATI, ASSAM, INDIA

Abstract

‘Abhikshana’ is a Sanskrit word synonymous to continuity or life cycle. The world we

experience and the life we live are the reflection of our thoughts. The mind creates a
world of illusion. By changing our thoughts, we change the illusion and experience a
different reality. Culture is a part of this experience. Each society has its own norms
and rules to be followed by individuals in order to retain society’s harmony. It differs
from each other in terms of traditions and expectations which develop by belief, faith,
practices and customs. This study explores the socio-cultural and geographical
differences between two cultures, one is from Banaras (Varanasi), Uttar Pradesh and
another is from Patna, Bihar. The transitional ground where the cultures juxtapose
and merge without cultural differences is studied.
The study draws on the basis of ethnographic approach to compare two cultures. It is
further followed by research insights, ideation and final proposal. The study reveals
that despite of all the socio-cultural and geographical differences, there are few
common elements between these two cultures which address the same aspirations of
people living in two different habitats. As an outcome, one of these aspirations is
beautifully crafted in the form of short animation film, which talks about the river
‘Ghat culture’ of two places and life cycles associated with it by taking kite as a
metaphor.

Keywords: Culture, Comparative Study, Ethnography, Illusion & Reality, Animation Film

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Journal of Higher Education and Research Society: A Refereed International
ISSN 2349-0209 Volume-3/Issue-2 OCTOBER 2015

‘ABHIKSHNA’ REALITY & ILLUSION: A COMPARATIVE

CULTURAL STUDY OF BIHAR & UTTAR PRADESH

MOHAMMAD SHAHID UDAYA KUMAR MRIGANKA

DHARMALINGAM MADHUKAILYA

Introduction:

T
he five senses in our body help us feel about the reality around us. Whatever we
experience and give response to it, is the reflection of our thoughts. The mind has
great role in creating a world of illusion. Whenever we change our thoughts, we
change the illusion and experience a different reality (Sasson).Culture is a part of
this experience. Culture is a complex domain. It is concerned with the production and
exchange of meaning between groups or individual people in a society. This meaning
creation totally depends upon the people who take part in this meaning making (Hall 1-12).
It can be referred as knowledge, experience, beliefs, values, symbol, attitude, meaning and
motives. It spreads from the expression of human beliefs, emotion and values to the social
and material context and talks about social relationships and economic production (Green
2). The definition of culture has different perspective from different scholars.
Across the history, it is very difficult for people to distinguish between reality and
illusion. Reality can be referred as what happens, whereas illusion is something which one
would like to happen. Relying on our five senses, we cannot deny the validity of what we
see. The world exists for us only when these five senses and our conscious mind are
directed towards it, and comes to an end when we silence the senses and the mind (Raut).
Each society has its own norms and rule to be followed by individuals in order to retain
society strong and intact. It differs from each other in terms of traditions and expectations
which develop by belief, faith, practices and customs. To have an effective interaction
between two cultures, it is very important to have an understanding of individual culture.
This study explores two cultures, one is from Banaras (Varanasi), Uttar Pradesh and
another is from Patna, Bihar. A comparison was done to find out the transition where both
the cultures juxtaposed and remove differences and become one culture. The study was
carried out under the sub theme of ‘reality & illusion; interdisciplinary in design’. The
objective of this study was to come up with a design solution which reflects the aspirations
of people belonging to both the places by bringing reality and illusion together.

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Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is known for multicultural and multiracial society. It has prominent natural
wealth in the form of hills, rivers, valley, forest and vast agricultural plains. Being the most
populated state of India, this place is regarded as the oldest seat of India’s culture and
civilization. It is believed that the two epics of Hindu mythology, the Ramayana and the
Mahabharata were written here. This state has been gifted with one of the most sacred
river of the world, Ganga. Varanasi, one of the most sacred sites in Hindu mythology
belongs to this state. Uttar Pradesh is also famous for being the home for lord Budhha who
gave his first lesson in Sarnath, Varanasi. Uttar Pradesh has been ruled by Mauryans and
Mughals and was important site of interest in every dynasty.

Bihar
Soil of Bihar is full of stories, folk art and music. The place is known for giving birth to
Hindu mythological character Sita, who played an important role in Ramayana. She was
born in Mithila, a place under district Madhubani (Chaitanya 95)(Brown 717-737).She is a
progressive woman and had great significance in Hindu religion. Since the ancient time,
Bihar was ruled by many dynasties. Mauryan dynasty was started from Biharsoil under the
leadership of Chandragupt Maurya. He was the first emperor of South Asia. Pataliputra was
the capital of this kingdom which is now known as Patna. Emperor Ashok was nephew of
Chandragupta Maurya. He was a follower of Boudh Religion and founded a world famous
non-violence kingdom. He was the first ruler who gives importance to life, both human and
animals and laid the foundation of Dhamma Niti. This Niti brings people united based on
social, moral and philosophical parameters.
Bihar is a place where may religion existed and grown together across century. It is
evident that this place is equally fertile for Boudh, Jain, Hindu and Muslim religion and all
the religion co-existed together. Buddhism religion was started by Gautam Budhha from
soil of Bihar and gave his first learning in Sarnath, [Link] religion is also evident in
Bihar. The 10th Guru, Guru Govind Singh was born in Patna. He was the last Guru in Sikh
[Link] religion is also originated on Bihar soil around 6 BC. The purity of life is base of
Jain religion and it believe that every living thing has right to live. Non-violence is a core
element of this religion (Shrivastava).In old history; Bihar is also famous for Nalanda
University, one excellent education center. Soil of Bihar is always ready to accept new
thoughts and art since the beginning. This way both the states are interlinked together in
terms of social structure and religious belief.

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Fig.1: Different sacred sites on the Ganga river bank. Source: (Singh 211).
Varanasi has distinct status among the holy places in India because of sacred blessings
of Ganga and its association with Lord Siva (Singh 213).Being one of the most sacred rivers
in Hindu mythology, it is also known as ‘Mother Ganga’. It is believed that a bath in her
water can remove all the sins and lead towards the Moksha (eternal liberation). The Ganga
plays an important role in ceremonies and worships. Ghat (river bank) is the place which
witnesses the Jeevan Chakra (life cycle) since the civilization and still doing the same.
Ganga is a witness of many rituals including, the rituals of birth and initiation, marriage and
death, purification and eternal liberation. One can experience these while walking through
the river bank (see Fig. 2). Beyond her economic value, the Ganga has physical, mental,
emotional and spiritual power and described as the soul of India (Singh 211).

Fig. 2: View of Ganga Ghat, Varanasi (Courtesy Ken Wieland) Fig. 3: Madhubani art Source: (Brown 730)

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The Ganga riverfront in Varanasi has 84 Ghats. It is said that each Ghat represent one
lakh species, making it total of 84 lakh organic species mentioned in Hindu mythologies. It
also include 7 Chakras (sheaths in human body) and it is believed that one can complete
the annual cycle of cosmic journey by taking a sacred bath at the 84 Ghats (Singh 213).
Along with the visceral association with Ganga, Bihar is also famous for its art & craft.
One of them is the Madhubani painting (see Fig. 3). Madhubani is a district in Bihar, set in
Terai foot-hills. This region is separated from rest of Bihar by the Himalaya, the Ganga, the
Gandak and Son rivers which makes it isolated from rest of the land (Brown
719)(Chaitanya 95). Madhubani painting also known by the name Mithila painting, is a folk
art through which artist narrates the epics and legends of India which shows a vast literary
and poetic association as religious (Chaitanya 95). It is produced by women of Kayastha
and Brahman castes. This art show various religious and folkloric themes and all the key
scenes are an adaptation of Ramayana and Krishna story (Chavda 26-28). The design
element ranges from mythological characters to animals, birds and fish, and has border as a
unique style. Characterized by vibrant use of colour, painting uses symbolism and
traditional geometric patterns to support the main theme (Das 2).
This art has a great social value and helps to brings harmony and togetherness between
the community women (Shrivastava). There is no formal teaching and this art has been
transfer from generation to generation through family member. In original state, this
painting was done on the house wall using mixture of cow dung and mud (Chavda 26-28).
In spite huge protest from man in the family, women of this place have done lot to bring
this art at world platform. Now Madhubani painting has taken a form of progressive stream
of art, which is helping out many women to become economically independent
(Shrivastava). Across the timeline this painting has evolved in various forms. It ranges from
traditional style to contemporary style in the form of painting on paper and ‘patchwork’
Madhubani. This painting is a source of inspiration to develop my film characters. It is
evident in the form of style, colour, pattern and motif.

STORY, STORY BOARDING AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Story
Film is titled as ‘Abhikshna’ [Abhi (repeatedly) + Kshana (moment)], meaning perpetual is
a Sanskrit word (Williams 74). The word is synonymous to the life at both the Ghats. Film
narrates the story of ‘life cycle’ witnessed by everyone around the Ghat. Kite has been used
as a visual metaphor for the life. It is clear bright winter morning. The cool January breeze
is making its way through the tiny lanes and cramped roads. The sun seems generous to
warm the courtyard and open terraces, making it favorable outside.

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Scene 1
A panoramic view of Ganga river bank, showing the skyline of the city and directing the eye
rhythmically through the temples, the buildings, the foliage and the petite roads adding an
elements of surprise. It is the month of Makar Sankranti. It is the time to fly kites. The sky is
full of them now, all flying high east wards as if the wind directs them to greet the Sun God
and mother Ganga.
(Camera zooms to one of the roof top of a building)
Two children are flying kite on the roof top. One of them is handling the string of the kite,
trying to direct the motion, while the other child is very carefully unwinding the spindle
using both the hand, not once looking away from the kite flying high. Both the kids are
pacing from one end to the other end of the roof top, trying hard to make their kite win and
defeat the others in this race.
(Camera sweeps its view from two kids to the sky along the string)
It is fight between two kites in the air, trying to cut each other by moving up and down and
creating suspense as to which one would survive. The situation synonymous to our
struggle with the ups and down in life. One of the two breaks.
Scene 2
The falling kite reaches the middle of the river Ganga, flowing restlessly towards her
destination.
(Camera zooms on the surface of the river)
The clear water gushes through river bed with school of fish swimming underneath the
waves. A few fish jumping in and out, as if celebrating and rejoicing the moment of life the
river blessed them with.
(Focusing on a big fish, scene merges with the priest performing prayer).
A priest is performing Arati (prayer) with a huge lamp in his hand. He is accompanied with
group devotee. The scene further turned to the group of priest, holding giant lamps. They
are praying in synchronized moves, as a singer chant in background and boats are passing
by. People are praying to river Ganga to bless them with prosperity, happiness and wash
away all their sins. The environment is adorned with the sound of huge drums, bells, and
Shankhs (sea shells), adding a divine feeling to it.
Scene3
(Scene turn into the room of a temple)
With the enchanted religious sound in the background, devotees are offering flower to the
god Shiva inside the temple. The offered flower takes viewer to the Ghat where people
cremate the dead. The Manikarnaka Ghat in Varanasi is famous for this ritual. One can see
many such lit pyres all the time. The beginning now leads to the end and complete its cycle.
The floating flower heads towards the flowing water under vast open sky and the kite

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which was falling freely is seen in the frame. It continues to fall slowly to the waves.
Suddenly a boat with children nears the descending kite. At the end, kite manages to end up
landing in a kid’s little hands, who is carefully wobbling off its crunched and cramped
surface, mending it instantaneously and making it ready for the next flight.
If life let you go high, it also knows to bring you back to the earth. Life treats everyone
kind. Just like the broken kite, it gives a second chance to all. A chance to live, a chance to
treasure, and a chance to cherish the opportunity that all have got. The spirit of Ganga Ghat
is contagious. It instantaneously clings to everyone and runs through their veins. It merges
with everyone soul, pushes them away from their trials and directs them to enjoy the most
precious and forgotten thing that is their life.

Film Synopsis
“The vicious cycle of life is clearly witnessed in both places, the City of Moksha:
Banaras and Patna. Life never stops. There is always hope hidden in every
downfall and in every dark niche. Both the cities display a magnificent spirit of
living each moment and accepting the sorrows and joys with even zest. May it
be victory or may it be defeat, they knows to rejoice, and celebrates every little
bit that comes its way".

Story Board, Background and Characters

Before making the film, story boarding was done. Story board clearly illustrates the
individual scenes in colour format along with the script and production notes. Characters
and style are inspired from Madhubani painting, whose theme relates with the faith, belief
and culture of two states and directly connect with the people living around the bank of the
river Ganga. There are five main characters: children, priests, fishes, kites and people
around the Ghat. Each character has significant association with the cultures of both the
places. Children represent the passion and excitement of life whereas priests relates with
duty and devotion of life. Fishes represents the dream of life and presents another
perspective of looking at the life. Kites have been taken as visual metaphor to connect all
these elements in single thread to symbolize the life cycle. As both the places are filled with
bright colours, black, yellow, blue, red, green and orange has been used to illustrate the
characters and background scenes. Individual elements are hand sketched and animated in
Adobe After Effect software to make the final animation film.

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Fig. 4: Story board Fig. 5: Characters

Fig. 6: Background

Fig. 7: Screen shots from the film.

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CONCLUSION
The study reveals that despite of all the socio-cultural and geographical differences, there
are few common elements between these two cultures. These are faith, devotion, livelihood
and daily rituals. These elements address the same aspiration of peoples living in two
different habitats. Study illustrates how reality and illusion are interconnected. The events
like view of Ghat, fighting of kites, prayers offered by priests and people, and burning of
body, all show the reality which can be physically seen and experience. Whereas the
dreamed events like fight between kite seen as situation synonymous to our struggle with
the ups and down in life is an illusion. Similarly believing in taking bath in Holly River and
cremation at Ghat will wash all the sins and leads to Moksha (internal liberation) are just an
illusion. Through all the events illustrated in story section, reality and illusion has been
shown as two side of a coin which cannot be separated. Study shows how the traditional art
& craft and practices can interweave using film to establish an effective communication.

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