Inaugurated on 23rd October, 2007
by Sri K.V. Ramanachari, I.A.S., Executive Offier, T.T.D.
One of the greatest contributions of the Dravidian culture to the Indian heritage is the art of sculpture. In fact, the most popular Sanskritic Indian word 'kaLa', as senior scholars observed, is a Dravidian loan to Sanskrit. It is derived from the root 'kaL' which means the stone in all the Dravidian Languages. The creative expression delineated either on the stone or through the medium of the stone has corne down to be known as 'kaLa'. We may comfortably recall that the pre-historic man used the medium of stone for all his creative expressions either emotional or utilitarian. Over the millennia, the Dravidians developed the sculpture as a great art and all the imposing, magnificent temples of South bear a living testimony to such accomplishments of the Dravidian races in Agama Silpa. Each State of the South has developed its own marvellous style under the patronage of great art - lovers who ruled different parts of South from Satavahanas to the Nayakars of South. The Pallavas, Cholas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Kakatiyas - each one of them developed a unique style which stands out as an embellished example of their great power too. All the styles have converged into a 'Brihat' form during Vijayanagara period, thus giving a new comprehensive character to the collective achievements of Southern empires.
It is the great responsibility of all the Institutions associated with the language cultures of the South/Dravidian races, to preserve and promote the knowledge of this artistic heritage and popularize it among the new generations who are more likely to look up for westernized concepts. Dravidian University, in fulfilment of its objectives, took a lead and organized. 'Dravidian Sculpture Camp' for the benefit of the students of sculpture in all the Southern States.
The major objective of this camp is to introduce the rich Agama Silpa and the distinct style of each of the Southern styles to the students of other region. The Camp really became a great success by the participation of the students of Andhra University, Waltair; J.N.T. University, Hyderabad; P.5. Telugu University, Hyderabad; Kannada University, Hampi; Silpa Kalasala, Devanahalli, SVITSA, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Tirupati and the students of Tamil Nadu.
The University heartily thanks the Vice-Chancellors and other Heads of these Institutions who have deputed their students for the Camp and made it a success.
The University warmly preserves the memories of this camp, as sculptural mementos so bountiful, in the works of art created by the participants and heartily congratulates and wishes them a great future.
