Pictorial book capturing Mangaluru’s heritage released

Discover Mangaluru's rich heritage through evocative sketches in the pictorial book "Combing Kudla with Pens and Brushes."

Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and Art Kanara Trust launched the much-anticipated pictorial book, “Combing Kudla with Pens and Brushes” on Saturday, February 22 here.

The publication beautifully captures Mangaluru’s architectural and cultural legacy through evocative sketches and watercolours. Ramakrishna Mutt president Swami Jithakamananda and A. Albuquerque & Sons Tile Factory Managing Partner. George Albuquerque Pai, unveiled the book at Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture.

The 72-page book is a tribute to the city’s rich heritage, featuring works by acclaimed artists Harish Kodialbail, Jeevan Salian, Santhosh Andrade, Syed Asif Ali, and Wilson Souza, with additional sketches by architect Subhas Basu, INTACH Mangaluru convener. Deekshith Pai has provided well-researched narratives.

Recounting the book’s two year’s journey, Mr. Basu emphasised its role in engaging school students and local communities through live sketching sessions. “We started with students, sketching at locations like the boat-building yards in Bunder, where curious onlookers developed a newfound appreciation for these heritage sites,” he noted.

Swami Jitakamanandaji said, “This initiative of documenting heritage sites through sketches is both unique and visually compelling. It allows us to experience these sites through an artist’s perspective.” Mr. Albuquerque Pai said, ‘Combing Kudla’ is a fitting title, as only through meticulous exploration can one uncover Mangaluru’s most significant heritage sites, many of which are fast disappearing due to urban development.”

During the event, the five contributing artists, along with the key collaborators of the project, including William Pais, Caroline D’Souza, Ganesh Somayaji, P.J. Saldanha and family, N. Balasubramanya, Narendra Shenoy, Yajna, Sharvani Bhat, Deekshith Pai and Rajendra Kedige were felicitated. Conservation architect and INTACH life member Caroline D’Souza acknowledged the team’s immense effort in bringing the book to fruition.

The exhibition featuring original artworks from the book is open for public viewing at the Kodialguthu Centre, Ballalbagh until February 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. A special discount sale of the book is also available at the venue.