He dreams big. But delivers a huge success in mini sizes.  

Rahul Shrivas -  a graduate in Commerce and musician from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh - has vaulted the crafting of miniature musical instruments into a vocation that fetches him artistic joy, cash and cachet.

Shrivas, 44, says that his robust leanings in music have been pivotal in his choice of artistry. “I’m a trained tabla player and a certified Sangeet Prabhakar,” he reveals.“My training in Indian classical music helped considerably in my knowledge of making miniature musical instruments.” 

Green-lighting this trail at 34, Shrivas cites familial inspiration as a key contributor to his wins. His father Bhanwarlal  - the Editor-Publisher of a Hindi publication Kala Samay, spotlighting the art and culture of India - and mother Lata, an artist herself, unflinchingly encouraged Shrivas when he embarked upon his path of miniatures. As Assistant Editor of the periodical, Shrivas steadily pens articles on Indian music, even as he actively assists his father in the editorial agenda.

Furthermore, with Bhanwarlal being actively involved with ‘Bharat Bhavan’- ranked among the top multi-arts cultural centres in India - Shrivas showcased his talents ably, endearing himself to the Madhya Pradesh Government, classes and masses alike.

Shrivas crafted 60 musical instrument miniatures in a decade but asserts that his craft is still a “work in progress,” necessitating timely upgrades and extensive R & D which he never shies away from.  

Defining himself as a “self-inspired artist,” Shrivas takes delight in the fact that his miniatures score majorly on size and convenience. “When kept on a desk, they serve as an inspiration and also look so adorable,” he exults. “Besides, they are easy to carry around, and maintenance is not a hassle.” 

His modus operandi, though, has evolved through trial and effort. “Earlier, I used to make miniatures from papier-mâché, because that was a medium that my mother used,” he says. “Wood carving was new to me, but I took it up later. It takes around 10 days for carving, colouring, sanding and final ornamentation of a miniature.” 

Shedding light on the connection between deities and their musical associations, Shrivas says, “Lord Shiva plays the Rudra Veena and Damru. While Lord Ganesh plays the pakhawaj, Goddess Saraswati plays the Veena and Lord Krishna plays the flute. Lord Vishnu blows the Shankh and Narad Muni plays the Ektara.” 

Furthermore, he opines, “Our Indian musical instruments are rich in variety. There are scientific reasons behind the manner in which they are created, as per their end use. Take the sarangi and tanpura, both stringed instruments. But the sarangi is a melody instrument that plays the tune with the singer, while the tanpura is a drone instrument that creates a constant tonal background.” 

Meanwhile, his role as an instrumentalist is set. Kickstarting his tryst with tabla at 16, Shrivas highlighted his mastery in several concerts spanning Kolkata, Bengaluru, Prayagraj, Delhi and Udaipur, among other locations. 

The avid music-enthusiast - who confessedly “appreciates music of every sort”  - also gained knowledge in Western music from a Pune-based institution. Currently, though, an indigenous segment of music has claimed his heart and focus. 

“Right now, I am researching the folk music of India,” says Shrivas. “It is so rich in culture, varied and most people are largely unaware of this musical heritage.”

He adds significantly, “I intend to promote folk music extensively through my writing, talks with the media and through interactions with people, both formally and informally. But surely, I will not have any fusion concerts with folk music artists, simply because it will affect the purity and essence of Indian classical music. Having separate recitals will do justice to both of us.” 

That’s just two good, too good. 

- Ajit Ramachanddran