Ram Kumar Bhadani's creation is a tribute to the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and a reflection of India's unity in its diversity. (Rajasthan News18)
Bikaner-based artist Ram Kumar Bhadani has crafted a symbolic charkha that reflects India's tradition, culture and the principles of Mahatma Gandhi. Learn more about his unique craftsmanship
Known for its rich art and culture, Bikaner is once again making headlines, this time for extraordinary artistic creations that capture the essence of India's heritage. Local artist Ram Kumar Bhadani has crafted a unique charkha (spinning wheel) that not only symbolizes Mahatma Gandhi's principles of non-violence and self-reliance but also embodies the country's multicultural and national symbol .
The charkha is made of teak wood, took three years to complete, and features intricate Usta art (traditional Bikaneri style). The chakra is 33 inches long, 18 inches wide and high, and is decorated with 12 spokes, each of which has the name of the 24 spokes of the Ashok Chakra written in Sanskrit. These virtues include responsibility, cooperation, peace, brotherhood, prosperity, rights, restraint, service, health, justice, organization, security, humility, forgiveness, sacrifice, order, love, rules, wealth, industry, friendship, policy, welfare and equality.
The wheel is also decorated with a pattern of the Ashoka Pillar of Sarnath, with the Ashoka Chakra on the two small pillars in front of it. A plaque below the spinning wheel depicts Mahatma Gandhi's Three Monkeys depicting “See no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil”. Furthermore, Gandhi's spectacles were depicted as a symbol of clean India. Gandhi's watch was also engraved, representing the importance of time and continuity.
Satyameva Jayate is inscribed in Devanagari script on the surface of the handle used to turn the spinning wheel. The prepared base on the underside of the spinning wheel depicts the national symbol, the national emblem, the Father of the Nation and the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.
National symbols such as the national instrument veena, national currency rupee, national animal tiger, national bird peacock are also depicted, embossed with gold pen and painted in white on the surface.
Flowers and leaves are depicted at the four corners and in the middle of the base. Its surface uses white, which is considered a symbol of peace, while the lower part uses red and green combined with leaves.
Ram Kumar Bhadani's creation is a tribute to the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and a reflection of India's unity in its diversity. The artist's intention was to harmonize India's cultural and historical heritage with the spinning wheel, turning it into a powerful symbol of the country's integrity and values.
