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The hand that makes the cradle

In the capital of cradle-making, only a single family pursues the traditional occupation, keeping alive a craftsmanship which otherwise would have existed only in north Karnataka's legends, Shyam Sundar Vattam tells us.

Some practices and traditions firmly remain part of a culture, despite changes to the lifestyle that time brings along. Cradle-making is one such tradition that sustained the onslaught of modernisation and has managed to stay at the heart of Kannada culture.

An old adage, which, roughly translated, says “In-laws of any girl may not worry if she fails to bring gold after delivering a baby, but would certainly expect her to come home with the Kalghatgi cradle,” explains this tradition better. Dharwad Pedas, Kalghatgi Tottilu, and Navalgund Kambali may sound special to Mysorians, but these are inextricable aspects of North Karnataka's way of life.

Kalghatgi, the place of cradles, was well on its way into the history books, as the business of cradle-making was on the decline. Cradles made here are considered unique in their design and craftsmanship. Until a few years ago, it was thriving, as groups of Kalghatgi artisans were enthusiastically involved in the occupation, earning decent incomes in the process. The numbers however, steadily declined as the demand waned.

The 'Sawakar' family, who have been in cradle-making for several generations, held on, while the others looked elsewhere for income. As the business is showing signs of recovery now, they have no regrets about their decision to pursue the traditional occupation. Prasanna Sawakar, the man who has seen the business seesawing between good and bad times, says its fortune depended solely on patronage of people.

The fact that no one in the Sawakar family has any formal training in cradle-making comes as a surprise. It is especially astounding as the entire process is done by hand, without the use of machinery. Even measuring the length and breadth of the wood has been done with a combination of instinct and experience. The only raw material for the cradles is teakwood, which is durable and capable of sustaining intricate carvings.

"In the early days, we had problems measuring the wood. As we gained more experience, it became quite easy - our hands became flexible and our movement through the process of carving acquired a flow," says Prasanna Sawakar.

On an average, the family makes up to five cradles a month. Producing one cradle in a week requires the labour of five to six people, who divide the tasks of cutting, carving and painting among themselves. The cradle is coated with herbal colours and is therefore less hazardous for the babies (if they accidentally lick the paint, it causes no harm). The panels on either sides of the cradle are painted with the colour of the customer's choice.

The colours said to last for 30 to 40 years and the cradles themselves are intact for a century. In some families, it has been in use for four generations. Weighing up to 15 kilos, they are priced anywhere between Rs 2000 to Rs 10,000. Use of cane pieces to connect the joints is another unique feature of the Kalghatgi cradles.

Sawakar mentions, with understandable pride, that many of the cradles made at his backyard have journeyed across the country and even overseas: to places like Muskat. The family has also donated a peeta to the Sri Sringeri Math and a palanquin to a swamyji in Gadag.

Some years ago, Kempaiah, former police commissioner of Hubli-Dharwad, ordered for a cradle and gifted it to Kannada film star Dr Rajkumar. Comprehending the changing times, the family has expanded their repertoire of carpentry to include sofa sets, tea stands and 'prabhavalis.' Miniature cradles are yet another innovation brought in with the view to strengthen the business.

"We are encouraged when the business picks up and are doing what we can to sustain the demand. As things stand now, it looks like this revival would continue and our cradles would recapture some of the lost glory," Sawakar hopes.

Prasanna Sawakar could be contacted at Chitragar Oni, Kalghatgi town, Dharwad district, Dharwad. For more details call 918370-285289.