On what help he got from the government, Paul said, “Neither the government nor any artist around me appreciated my work. Yes, there surely were articles about my feat in newspapers.”
Kolkata: An idol-maker of Kolkata’s Kumortuli was recently awarded the India Book of Awards for the smallest painted sculpture on a coin depicting Goddess Kali on Lord Shiva. The artist, Jhulon Paul, has been in the profession of making idols for the last 35 years.
Speaking to thetheorist.in, Paul said, “I started at the age of 16. My father and uncle were also idol makers. Initially, it started as a hobby and then I wanted to do something different.”
Paul experimented several things and finally, started making miniature idols on coins. “Previously I tried to make idols on rice grains, pulses etc and then I focussed on making them on coins and a Kali idol I made on a 10 paise coin was widely appreciated,” the artisan said.
On what help he got from the government, Paul said, “Neither the government nor any artist around me appreciated my work. Yes, there surely were articles about my feat in newspapers.”
It took Paul almost 19 years to get the award. “My daughter helped me apply for the record. She has also helped me apply for Guinness Book of World Records, Asian Book and other records.”
However, Paul has now stopped making miniature models. “My eyesight has grown weak. It becomes very difficult to work on minute details,” said Paul. However, he added in the same breath that he would continue to make the normal idols that are usually seen in Kumortuli.
On the way forward, Paul said he will pass on his skills to his younger daughter. “She will continue the tradition. In fact, it is her and the other workers at my workshop who help me make the idols,” he said.
