Bangle Seller

Continuing with Mrs. Kanak Sinha's paintings. She grew up mostly in cities and towns yet village compositions were frequently painted by her. 

This painting depicts a bangle seller, selling bangles door to door. There was a time when they used to visit homes and roam the streets with a basket on their head.

The basket used to have glass bangles of different colours tied separately. They were tied size -wise and colour-wise in a circle with pieces of threads. People used to call them, as in, shout from their verandahs for them. 

When they came over, the women and girls of the household used to go berserk. Bangle sellers had something for everyone. From the broadest wrists to the tiniest of wrists. 

That day each and every female would load their wrists with atleast 4 dozen bangles...2 dozen in each hand. Think of a colour and it was there. The domestic help were also asked to come and choose, they received bangles as gift. 

During wedding season, they were especially invited to come and adorn the wrists of bride-to-be with special very thin and delicate golden bangles. The price of the bride's bangles used to be non negotiable. 

Painting By Kanak Sinha

Village Gossip

This painting depicts early afternoon when most of the village women finish their daily chores. They sit down together to exchange some gossip. In villages everyone knows everyone, people are referred to as uncles and aunts. Interference in each other's matters is not considered violation of privacy but as help.Women help each other, the elders pass on their wisdom while the young women learn . Children grow up playing with goats, pups, dogs and chasing chicken. Climbing trees and racing are some of the most entertaining games. Rag dolls and wooden toys are home- made, no matter how hot the days, children wait for their mothers to fall asleep while trying to make the child take a nap and then sneak outdoors to play all afternoon.

Painting By Kanak Sinha