Among the many visual languages of Indian art, Kaavi murals are an elusive and enigmatic tradition; a gorgeous blend of folklore, architecture, and craftsmanship. Flourishing primarily in Goa and the Konkan coast, this style of architectural painting is testimony to the expertise of artisans who employed local materials and climatic resistance in creating murals that have withstood centuries of monsoon rains and cultural shifts. Kaavi art is an ancient but endangered visuality; a subtle monochrome articulation of belief, myth, and identity.

Kaavi art, named after the Sanskrit term 'Kavya' (poetry), is a school of mural art that transfers poetry to pigmented form. The very word Kaavi describes the dark maroon-red colouring material derived from laterite soil, one of the murals' hallmark features. The Saraswat Brahmin influx from the Saraswati plains is supposed to have introduced this art form into Goa over 600 years ago. When political and environmental uncertainty forced these groups to move, they brought their gods, temple worship, and artistic forms with them.

Finding a place in temple architecture, ancestral homes, and even churches, the Kaavi murals are narratives of religious passion, divine mythology, and social norms. From depictions of Hindu deities in elaborate ornamentation to geometric motifs that represent cosmic order, the murals are a dense palimpsest of Goan history. The technique is an architectural alchemy that combines pieces of sculpture, relief carving, and mural painting and transforms them into one consolidated art form. The technique begins with surface preparation, where local material plays a pivotal role in functionality as well as beauty.

The highly coloured Kaavi pigment, is made from laterite soil that is very finely ground, mixed with lime putty, and fermented for two days to create a dense, mellow consistency. It is applied on top of the white plaster. Before the Kaavi layer dries, artisans use fine steel bodkins also known as 'kanta', wood compasses, and hand-cut stencils to negative-engrave intricate designs. Through negative engraving, red pigment is removed from areas, exposing the raw white plaster underneath. The effect of dark red contrasted against uncovered white is the visual trick that gives it its distinctive appearance.

Kaavi murals are symbolic, based on Hindu mythology, cosmological geometry, and everyday existence. Iconography involves close-up descriptions of deities such as Vishnu, Lakshmi, and Ganesha adorned with intricately elaborate ornamentation. It also uses circles, hexagons, and interlinking patterns as maps of the universe, reiterating principles of spiritual balance and cosmic harmony.

While the art had covered temples, shrines, and house front walls before, urbanisation, neglect, and lack of traditional craftsmanship resulted in its speedy disappearance. Unfortunately, whitewashing or replacing them with somewhat insensitive modern restorations has happened over time. Few Kaavi murals in Goa remain untouched. Some major sites where you can find authentic Kaavi art are Sri Morjaie Temple in Morjim and Sri Vijaydurg Temple in Keri. The Charles Correa Foundation has documented a few temples and houses in trying to catalogue what remains of this tradition, but its presence has largely dwindled.

Despite the art form declining, there have been recent efforts to revive Kaavi murals. Artists like Sagar Naik Mule have brought Kaavi back into the limelight through exhibitions and restorations. His exhibition during a G20 conference in Goa in 2023 was a significant factor in bringing national attention to the craft. The state government of Goa has also undertaken restoration works, including the revival of Kaavi murals at the Saptakoteshwar Temple of Naroa.

Kaavi murals are not simply decorative flourishes; they are a link between past and present, a tangible memory of the artistic and cultural heritage of Goa. In their deep, earthy tones and delicate carvings, they hold stories of religion, survival, and artisanship. As work continues to preserve and rejuvenate Kaavi, it remains a testament to the fact that heritage can take new forms if it's preserved. Artistic movements such as this ensure that the red and white strokes that are an indellible part of Goa's history never shrink into silence.

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