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The whole idea for the “Konark Wheel” was originally conceived way back in 2014 , 4 years prior o its creation when
I was trying to figure out: How could I beautifully blend everything Indian, mould and bring them all
together under one roof?

The Konark Wheel is the 3rd of a series of 4 original artworks comprising the “Mother Nature Series.” The 1st one’s

titled Mother Nature, the 2nd one’s Mother of the Sea, the 4th ’s simply titled “Cats” and the 3rd one being The
Konark Wheel. One of the first things that came to my mind was India’s rich expanse of biodiversity. What makes
things even more special is that India’s got one of the highest number of endemic bird species in the world and thus,
I knew right away that many of our country’s most popular, beautiful feathered friends were going to be an integral
part of this cultural masterpiece. Thoughts of intricate mandalas were making their way deep into the crevices of
creative corners of my brain, and it wasn’t long before I chose one of the Indian subcontinent’s most unique, iconic
and greatest and ancient architectural marvels as the layout for this conceptual artwork of mine: the chariot wheel of
the Konark Sun Temple.

The work amasses close to a 100 elements deeply pertaining to the very heart of Indian culture, wonderfully
reminding us what it means to be Indian and what it means to be the nation that is “India”. This artistic
amalgamation showcases 30 of India’s most admired endemic birds, 31 species of indigenous fauna, and a bunch of
culturally significant Indian flora as well, alongside an array of a variety of motifs representing our country’s religious
diversity and the secular republic we are. Just a glance at this would get you gazing andyour eyes racing as you come
across the majestic Indian Peacock with it’s entire plumage, on display and, the Great Indian Bustard, Greater
Flamingo, Spot-billed Pelican, Eurasian Spoonbill, native Indian poultry such as Asil and Vanaraja, Sarus Crane,
Indian Kite, Rose-winged Parakeet, Himalayan Bulbul, Indian House Sparrow, Domestic Pigeon, Hill Partridge,
Great Indian Hornbill, Black-necked Ibis, Common river Kingfisher, Indian spot-billed Duck, and the Indian
Vulture. Owls such as Indian Horned Eagle-Owl, Barn Owl and the Forest Owlet are also present.

Crown Jewels of Indian Fauna like the Indian Rhinoceros, Gir/Asiatic Lion, Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant are
prominently featured and distinctly visible. A variety of elegant Indian deers and antelopes such as the Chital,
Chinkara, the Sambar deer, Brow-antlered deer, Barasingha; along with the religiously significant, and the prized
Blackbuck which changes its coat colour from black in the winters to brown by the time the summer heat arrives in
April, after they replace their coat during the annual moulting period; all make an appearance here. You can also spot
the largest Asian antelope, namely the Nilgai, sharing space with others such as the Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur/Indian Bison,
and Urial. Exquisite endemic endeavours of evolution like the Indian Flapshelled Turtle, Indian Black-naped Hare,
the Rusty Spotted Cat, Pygmy Hog, the Himalayan Red Panda, Siamese cat, the Dhole or Indian Wild dog, Indian
Grey Mongoose, Bengal Fox, the scaled insectivore- Indian Pangolin, the majestic Indian Spectacled Cobra, Indian
Flying Fox, Indian Wild Ass and also the Asiatic Cheetah which is now extinct, but nevertheless has been honorably
showcased in this work. Indigenous monkeys like the famed Gee’s Golden Langur, the Lion-tailed Macaque and the
Southern Pig-tailed Macaque are all beautifully incorporated into this drawing.

Also known as the “Land of Spices,” India’s the largest producer of aromatic spices and condiments in the world, thus
making Indian Cuisine lend a plethora of flavours to the rest of the world, many of our nation’s essential indigenous
spices such as Star Anise, Cloves, Nutmeg, Cinnamon bark, Cardamom, Bayleaves, Cumin and Pepper are flavorfully
celebrated across the country in the form of an exceptional dish called “Biryani” which’ is an symbolic part of Indian
composite culture and hence they have a portion of the Konark Wheel dedicated entirely to themselves, alongside
culturally significant Indian flora such as Mangoes and the leaves of the mango tree, the flowering plant Gloriosa
superba also known as “Kari Hari,” Jackfruit, Tamarind, Whole and Dried Coconut, Neem branches, numerous
Indian vegetables widely used in Indian cooking, Indian fruits and even Cocoa pods which are processed to give
Cocoa powder that’s got a wide variety of uses and health benefits. If you’re very observant then you’ll probably also
be able to spot the face of a kathakali dancer scattered somewhere in this work of art. The Konark Wheel is a really
creative, innovative, strikingly beautiful, original and aesthetically pleasing work of art depicting Indian Culture at
it’s very heart and a memory I shall cherish forever! As a proud citizen of our country, I sincerely hope and wish that
someday, I get the chance to present and gift this to the honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. Sit
back, enjoy, indulge in the detail. Hope my work leaves you awestruck.

SREE NISANT PAPPU
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C O NTENT S