Tributes being paid to sculptor Chandrashekhar Shilpi, who passed away recently, at Rangayana in Kalaburagi on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI
Eminent sculptor Chandrashekhar Y. Shilpi, who recently passed away, was remembered for his contribution to the traditional arts of Kalyana Karnataka at a condolence and tribute meeting held at Rangayana in Kalaburagi on Tuesday.The meeting was organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture and the Karnataka Shilpakala Academy.Presiding over the meeting, Karnataka Shilpakala Academy president M.C. Ramesh said every individual possessed some form of artistic talent and that it was important to identify and encourage such talent at an early age by creating a conducive environment.He also called for bringing out a book documenting Chandrashekhar’s life and works. Assistant professor at the Central University of Karnataka Shivanand Bantanur described Chandrashekhar as one of the outstanding artistic contributions of Kalyana Karnataka. He said artists from the region had contributed to the development of sculpture over centuries and their works could still be seen in temples, forts and other historical structures.He said Chandrashekhar, who was particularly known for his horse sculptures marked by a sense of vitality and movement, had also created sculptures of several village deities. “He was skilled in wood, stone and metal sculpture,” Mr. Bantanur said.Describing him as a “great craftsman”, Mr. Bantanur said two craftsmen from Scotland had stayed with the sculptor for several months to learn the craft from him. He urged the authorities to confer the Amarashilpi Jakanachari Award on Chandrashekhar posthumously.Karnataka Working Journalists’ Association district president Baburao Yadrami said Chandrashekhar had mastered his craft through years of dedicated work. He suggested that one of the awards given by the Shilpakala Academy to artists be instituted in the sculptor’s name.He also urged the government to establish a permanent museum in Kalaburagi to display Chandrashekhar’s works and develop it as a centre for training in sculpture. Senior artist Chandrahasa Jalihaal said Chandrasekhar had studied the principles of Shilpa Shastra in depth and reflected them in his works. Despite being a highly accomplished artist, he led a simple and unassuming life, he said. “He never sought awards or honours. The awards and honours came to him in recognition of his achievements,” Mr. Jalihaal said.Ajendra Mahaswamy of Ekadandimath, Shahapur, said Chandrasekhar Shilpi had risen from the small village of Kakkeri in Yadgir district to become a highly accomplished craftsman. He said the sculptor’s work had received national recognition and that President Droupadi Murmu had honoured him with a National Master Craftsman Award.Ajendra Mahaswamy said Chandrasekhar used to make the specialised tools required for his craft himself. He never sought publicity and remained immersed in his work. Patience, dedication and hard work were the secrets of his success, he said.Chandrasekhar’s daughter and sculptor Gayatri Shilpi shared her memories and experiences of her father. Published - September 08, 2026 08:16 pm IST
