Hyderabadi Recreates Sculptures Broken Centuries Ago

B. Rakshith Kumar, a final year fine arts student at the Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU), began recreating sculptures in the original appearance of damaged Kakatiya sculptures. The idea, he said, emerged under the Project Punarjeeva, an initiative undertaken by TORCH (Team of Research on Culture and Heritage) to recreate the original appearance of sculptures.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Rakshith said every broken sculpture is like an unfinished sentence from the past. "Many people visit temples and see sculptures without knowing how beautiful they used to be. If my work helps one person see how great the artists of the Kakatiya era were, it is worth the effort,” he said.

The student's task demands far more than drawing skills, and has been taking guidance from scholars, historians, archaeologists, and artists.

A missing hand on a deity, a broken musical instrument, a damaged ornament, or a lost dance posture cannot simply be imagined. Every reconstruction requires extensive research into Kakatiya art, iconography, dance traditions, temple architecture, and historical references.

For Rakshith, this has become a unique classroom beyond university walls. “At JNAFAU, we learn artistic techniques. Through Project Punarjeeva, I am learning how art preserves civilisation,” he explained.

Growing up in Warangal, Rakshith was familiar with the Kakatiya-era temples. However, only after joining the project did he realise the depth of information hidden within the sculptures.

One of the greatest challenges in the project is reconstructing portions that no longer exist. Some of the important recreations were the Chaturmukha Lingam of the 12th century and the grandest structure in Warangal, which was razed to the ground during attacks. Another major recreation was Keerthi Mukhudu, which is considered a form of Lord Shiva, he added.